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Hiring an In-Home Caregiver

Hiring an In-Home Caregiver

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For older adults, in-home non-medical care might be the key to independence. However, the quality of care depends on the quality of the caregiver. When looking for in-home care, finding the best service can be a challenge. This article offers suggestions on what to look for when hiring a caregiver.
What is In-Home Care?
In-home caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) such as meal preparation, dressing, grooming, medication monitoring, transportation and light housekeeping. These services should not be mistaken for home health services, which offer skilled, medical services by licensed professionals such as nurses and therapists. While in-home caregivers may be trained and/ or certified, they focus mostly on activities of daily living and are not required to perform complex health care related tasks. Programs such as Medicare, or Medicaid (Medi-cal) cover Home Health Services, but do not usually cover non-medical services. There are some long-term care insurance policies that cover non-medical in-home care services. Review your policy to determine whether in-home care is covered by your insurance.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Knows No Borders Video | Alzheimer's Speaks Blog

Alzheimer’s Speaks provides a variety of platforms and forums to educate and shift our dementia care culture for professional, family caregivers and the public at large. Alzheimer’s Speaks believes collaborative and alternative approaches push society forward in search for answers and that working together and sharing knowledge is the best way to win the battle against this disease. Alzheimer’s Speaks believes it is time to shift caregiving from crisis to comfort by removing the fear and providing economical services, tools, concepts and products to those in need. For more information please visit and learn about how you and your organization can become Dementia Friendly.

Patient Self-Determination Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Patient Self-Determination Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The requirements of the PSDA are as follows:
  • Patients are given written notice upon admission to the health care facility of their decision-making rights, and policies regarding advance health care directives in their state and in the institution to which they have been admitted. Patient rights include:
  1. The right to facilitate their own health care decisions
  2. The right to accept or refuse medical treatment
  3. The right to make an advance health care directive
  • Facilities must inquire as to the whether the patient already has an advance health care directive, and make note of this in their medical records.
  • Facilities must provide education to their staff and affiliates about advance health care directives.
  • Health care providers are not allowed to discriminately admit or treat patients based on whether or not they have an advance health care directive.

[edit] Purpose

The purpose of the Patient Self-Determination Act was to inform patients of their rights regarding decisions toward their own medical care, and ensure that these rights are communicated by the health care provider. Specifically, the rights ensured are those of the patient to dictate their future care (by means such as living will or power of attorney), should they become incapacitated.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Health Care Advance Directives - What is the Patient Self-Determination Act?. American Bar Association.
  2. ^ What is the Patient Self-Determination Act?. Legal HelpMate.
  3. ^ Advance Care Planning in Health Care Reform Legislation. National Hospice and Paliative Care Organization.
  4. ^ Robert Pear (December 25, 2010). "Obama Returns to End-of-Life Plan That Caused Stir". The New York Times.
  5. ^ Robert Pear (January 4, 2011). "U.S. Alters Rule on Paying for End-of-Life Planning". The New York Times.

[edit] Further reading

  • Yates JL, Glick HR (1997). "The failed Patient Self-Determination Act and policy alternatives for the right to die". J Aging Soc Policy 9 (4): 29–50. PMID 10186890.
  • Leahman D (2004). "Why the Patient Self-Determination Act has failed". N C Med J 65 (4): 249–51. PMID 15481498.

[edit] External links

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Article: OBRA regulations and chemical restraints. (Omnibus Budget ...

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Nov 1, 1990 – Free article about 'OBRA regulations and chemical restraints. (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987)' at AccessMyLibrary.com. ... Nursing Homes and Senior Citizen Care articles > November 1990 articles.

Avoiding the Urinary Tract Infection | Alzheimer's Reading Room By Carole B. Larkin

Avoiding the Urinary Tract Infection | Alzheimer's Reading Room: Here are a few tips/tricks that may help you avoid the dreaded UTI -- Urinary Tract Infection.

By Carole B. Larkin
Alzheimer's Reading Room

First, I am not a doctor, nor am I a nurse. I am an experienced Geriatric Care Manager and a woman. Over the years, I had more conversations with urologists and their nurses about urinary tract infections (UTIs) than I care to remember.

<><><><>
The biggest cause of UTI’s is dehydration! It’s ironic, because the thought process of many older adults is,

“if I don’t drink much, then I won’t have to go to the bathroom very often, which is better because it’s a pain in the butt (sorry again!) to get up, get over to the bathroom, partially disrobe, and then go to the bathroom and then do it all in reverse, before I get to relax in my chair or bed again.”
So they don’t drink fluids, which of course leads to dehydration, the leading cause of UTI’s and incontinence (at least in early and midstage Alzheimer’s.) So to prevent UTI’s you must be persistent in having mom drink fluids. Water is best, but among one of the hardest things to get some people to drink, so flavor it with Kool-Aid or something similar. I can’t tell you how many times my clients have ended up with UTI’s just because no one insisted that they drink!

A Family Caregiver’s Elevator Speech

A Family Caregiver’s Elevator Speech: “I am Elizabeth Chomsky’s daughter. She is a person living with dementia, but loved to paint, ice skate and still can have a wicked sense of humor. I want to be informed of any change in her condition, medications or situation since I am her primary caregiver, loving daughter and fearless caregiver.” (Or something like that.)
 Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com   

 Sign up for our FREE Fearless Caregiver Weekly Newsletter, your guide for the best caregiver support.

- Specialized Care Co, Inc.for individuals who need dental care

- Specialized Care Co, Inc.



Specialized Care Co, Inc. designs, markets and sells products that facilitate the delivery of oral health services. Our products include Rainbow Stabilizing Systems (some people refer to these generically as Papoose Boards), Airway Positioners and Cushions for knee-to-knee exams; Open Wide mouth props (bite blocks) and mouth rests; Stay N Place pillows for the dental chair, chair liners and booster seats; Surround 3-headed toothbrushes, and training DVDs for delivery of dental care to people with special needs.

Specialized Care Co, Inc. markets products that facilitate the delivery of oral health services. Our products assist dental professionals, nurses and at-home helpers as they provide care for individuals who need dental care, but who are unable to cooperate for safe and effective dental treatment. You may call us toll-free at 800/722-7375 (U.S. and Canada) if you'd like further assistance. For our international visitors, our phone number in the U.S. is 603/926-0071 and our fax number is 603/926-5905.

Stressed Anyone?

Stressed Anyone?
 Home > Other Diseases > Stressed Anyone?

Stressed Anyone?

Beat stress with our simple S.T.R.E.S.S. management Tips Stressed-Anyone A flat tyre when you are already running 20 minutes late for office – stress; not able to meet deadlines – more stress; pile-on friends coming over on weekdays – stress + grump…. there couldn’t be enough reasons to avoid this unwanted condition of getting stressed every now and then. To be honest, no one can control the “causes” of stress but yes, can learn to deal with the metal exhaustion it creates.
Try to follow the simple things, make certain lifestyle changes, and be a happy person all along!!

S.T.R.E.S.S. Management Tips

S – Sleep: In today’s time, getting enough sleep is not an easy and simple thing to find. A peaceful eight hours sleep is something a lot of people crave for and can be a cause of impending stress. Caffeine, alcohol, heavy and greasy food causes indigestion and interfere with sound sleep. Setting a routine bed time, a glass of warm milk, no television in bedroom, and washing your feet just before getting in the bed will definitely aid in a blissful slumber.
T – Time Management: A planned and organised day well in advance saves a lot of stress. Maintain an organiser to avoid forgetting important things and stuff to do. Priorities your daily chores, do first things first. Keep time slots for the day’s work and stick to it.
R – Rest and relax: Incorporate some relaxation ideas into your day. Watching your favourite TV show or reading a book, even listening to music helps in a big way. Take up a hobby or just sit by the window chatting with friends. Anything that you like doing will do the trick and ease off the mental pressure.
E – Exercise: Nothing can beat exercising in relieving stress. A good work out session post office hours will take away all the gloom and stress by surging the adrenaline rush which will make you feel good and happy. And with all that working out, the compliments that you receive will add to your de-stressing.
S – Smile more: Smiling always makes things easier in life and comes for free too!! When you smile often, you see more faces around you smiling back in response. That definitely feels great and you feel little less stressed.
S – Simplify life: Make life simple. Don’t complicate it by trying to do everything all by yourself.


Indus Health Plus (P) Ltd.
'INDUS HOUSE', Pride Port,
Model Colony,
Pune- 411 016
Maharashtra, India		  



Chris Cooper and Company - Managing the Cost of Terminal Illness, Part 3: Consider Palliative Care

Chris Cooper and Company - Managing the Cost of Terminal Illness, Part 3: Consider Palliative Care:

What Is Palliative Care? Written by Chris Cooper, CFP® | 18 March 2013

Palliative care is an approach to medical treatment that involves taking steps to relieve pain and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses (such as AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease). Unlike hospice care, which is specifically for people who are close to death, palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness. And it doesn't take the place of more traditional treatments—it simply offers additional services (such as help with pain, insomnia, nausea or other symptoms) in coordination with traditional care. Typically, it involves a team approach, with doctors, nurses, social workers/counselors, and perhaps even clergy members and nutritionists working together to help the patient. Palliative care considers a patient's physical health along with their emotional and spiritual needs.

While the term palliative care is relatively new, this approach to treatment has actually been around for decades and is offered by many hospitals. And there's evidence that patients who receive this type of care enjoy better quality of life. One study found that people who had advanced lung cancer and received palliative care lived longer and required less chemotherapy and hospitalization.

How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base | Alzheimer's Reading Room

How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base | Alzheimer's Reading Room: How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base

The Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base contains more than 4,000 articles. In the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR), we offer "real life" solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers and their families encounter each day.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base
The goal of the Alzheimer's Reading Room is to Educate, Empower, and sometimes Entertain Alzheimer's caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community.

At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping members of the Alzheimer's and Dementia Community understand, cope, and communicate with persons living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is currently the number one source of information for Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and related health and life news on the Internet.

Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
Email:

You can access the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base by using the search box that is available on every page on this website.

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Bob DeMarco

Founder, Alzheimer's Reading Room

From Grief Comes A Mission To Make Estate Planning Less Daunting : NPR

From Grief Comes A Mission To Make Estate Planning Less Daunting : NPR:

Estate planning may seem like a pain, but imagine the mess you leave to those managing your affairs if you don't draw up a will or get life insurance.

"It takes really just a few hours now, rather than a pile of hours and thousands of dollars to do it later when you really need it done," says Chanel Reynolds, who created a website geared to help people get their affairs in order.

Her site — which is a NSFW riff on "get your stuff together" — features a checklist and templates for some key documents, including a will, living will and power of attorney. It also suggests compiling online account usernames and passwords and putting these key documents in a safe or scanning and uploading them to a password-protected site.

Reynolds also suggests setting aside emotional items like photos of yourself, "so that when you're gone people can touch them and hold them and feel them and remember you as well."

For wills, Reynolds notes that lawyers can help, but there are also affordable online software options. "I didn't realize that creating a will, you don't need a lawyer to do it for you," she says. "In most states you need two witnesses and/or someone to notarize it. And it can save your family weeks and weeks and hundreds of hours of pain and confusion and legal costs that you probably can't afford."


ADvancing Care Newsletter | alz.org/nyc

ADvancing Care Newsletter | alz.org/nyc:

 Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter
360 Lexington Avenue., Fl. 4, New York, NY 10017

Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Culture change towards person-centred care in Canada

Culture change towards person-centred care: Culture change towards person-centred care in Canada


Person-centred care of people with dementia living in care homes: Executive summary

The Alzheimer Society believes that people with dementia have the right to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and quality of care. The Society believes that each person with dementia is an individual, regardless of the stage of the disease, and that care should be individually tailored to their unique needs, interests, habits and desires.

To achieve this goal, the Alzheimer Society of Canada looked for evidence-based research that shows how to successfully implement person-centred programs and practices in long-term care homes. The result of this research is the Guidelines for care: Person-centred care of people with dementia living in care homes framework, which includes the input of peop

Guidelines for care

The Guidelines for care framework consists of the following sections:
  • What does a person-centred philosophy mean?
Our most important objective is to ensure that a person-centred philosophy of care is well understood and put into practice in care homes to improve the quality of care and quality of life for people with dementia. Dignified care must become part of the inherent culture of every long-term care home.
  • What does person-centred care look like in a care home?
Person-centred care is a philosophy that recognizes that individuals have unique values, personal history and personality and that each person has an equal right to dignity, respect, and to participate fully in his environment. Person-centred care should be incorporated into all aspects of care, regardless of the resident’s condition or stage of the disease. A person-centred care home values partnerships among care home staff, people with dementia, and family members that will lead to the best outcomes and enhance the quality of life and quality of care of people with the disease. Services and supports are designed and delivered in a way that is integrated, collaborative, and mutually respectful of all persons involved, including the person with dementia, family members, caregivers and staff.
le with dementia, family caregivers, researchers, educators, long-term care home staff, and various stakeholders.
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Alzheimer Society of Canada
20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor,
Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8
Tel: 416-488-8772 Fax: 416-322-6656
Toll-free: 1-800-616-8816
Email: info@alzheimer.ca

Massachusetts | Consumer and Provider Service Organizations

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Resource List



This is a partial listing of frequently used resources. When contacting any of the organizations listed below, be sure to ask if they have suggestions about additional resources you may want to contact.

Government Agencies

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Quality
Telephone: (617) 753-8000
Survey Tool Information: (617) 753-8000
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/dph/dhcq

Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
General Information & Referral Assistance (9am-5pm)
Telephone: (617) 727-7750 or 1-800-882-2003
(24 hours) 1-800-882-2275
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/elder

The Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care
250 Washington St
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone:617-624-5437
Fax: 617-624-5075
Web Site: http://www.endoflifecommission.org

MassHealth
Client Services, Medicaid Eligibility
Telephone: (617) 210-5000
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/masshealth

Massachusetts Division of Insurance
Consumer Services Section
Information on Long-Term Care Insurance
Telephone: (617) 521-7777
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/doi/

Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Telephone: (617) 727-8400
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/ago

Consumer and Provider Service Organizations

Alzheimer's Association of Eastern Massachusetts
Telephone: (617) 494-5150
Helpline: 1-800-548-2111

Massachusetts Aging Services Association, Inc.
Telephone: (617) 739-3235
Web Site: http://www.massaging.org/

Living is for the Elderly (LIFE) Nursing Home Resident Advocacy Group
Telephone: (781) 646-1000 ext. 4733

Massachusetts Senior Care Association
Telephone: (617) 558-0202
Web Site: www.maseniorcare.org

Massachusetts Elderline
General Consumer Information on Free Prescription Drug Program and
Services for the Elderly
Telephone: 1-800-AGE-INFO

Hospice Federation of Massachusetts
Telephone: (781) 225-7077
Web Site: http://www.hospicefed.org
This information is provided by the Division of Health Care Quality within the Department of Public Health.








Massachusetts Home Care Program | Executive office of Elder Affairs in coordination with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs),

Home Care Program Overview

Home Care Program Overview

The Massachusetts Home Care Program provides support services to elders with daily living needs to help maintain independent community living. Services are designed to encourage independence and ensure dignity. The program also supports families caring for elders in order to encourage and relieve ongoing care giving responsibilities. The Home Care Program is administered by the Executive office of Elder Affairs in coordination with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), located in communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program provides homemaker, personal care, day care, home delivered meals, transportation, and an array of other community support services to help elders remain in their homes. The ASAP conducts comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibility for the Home Care Program as well as other programs and services as appropriate. An individualized service plan is developed with the elder and his/her family. On an ongoing basis, the ASAP conducts reassessments and monitors services for quality.
Eligibility for the Home Care Program is based on age (60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need or respite services), financial status, and ability to carry out daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

Eligibility for the Home Care Program


Age

60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need of respite services

Codes

Functional Impairment Levels (FIL) - Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Uniform Intake

Functional Impairment Level (FIL) 1-3, with critical unmet needs

Functional Impairment Levels

FIL 1 4-7 ADL impairments
FIL 2 2-3 ADL impairments
FIL 3 6-10 ADL/IADL impairments
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, transferring, and mobility
  • Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include meal preparation, shopping, laundry, managing money, housework, transportation, use of telephone, outdoor mobility, and taking medicine
  • Critical Unmet Needs include ADLs, meal preparation, shopping, medical transportation, and need for home health services or respite care

Financial

MassHealth members are financially eligible. Income guidelines require Annual Gross Income less than $24,838/single and 35,145/couple.

Monthly Co-Payments

  • $9-$130 for individuals with incomes that range from $10,924-$24,837
  • $17-$140 for couples with incomes that range from $14,646-$35,144

Respite Over-Income Scale

  • 50%-100% of cost of services

Marie Marley Author, 'Grandma Doesn't Know My Name!' Helping Your Child Cope with Alzheimer's

brochure_childrenteens.pdf (application/pdf Object)

 The Alzheimer's Association has published a brochure for parents that lists the following behaviors children may exhibit if they are having a hard time understanding or accepting the disease:

This is an official publication of the Alzheimer's Association but may be distributed by unaffiliated organizations and individuals. Such distribution does not constitute an endorsement of these parties or their activities by the Alzheimer's Association. For information and support,  contact the Alzheimer's Association: 800.272.3900 alz.org
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Author, Come Back Early Today: A Memoir of Love, Alzheimer's and Joy

Children can be deeply affected when a beloved grandparent develops Alzheimer's disease. They may become afraid, confused, sad, angry, frustrated, guilty, worried, or embarrassed -- just to name a few potential feelings. Although each child reacts differently, there are some common fears:
1. The grandparent doesn't love them anymore
2. Their grandparent may be crazy
3. It's their fault that their grandparent is sick
4. They may catch the disease
5. Their parent(s) may get it

Loneliness and depression in spousal caregivers [Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003] - PubMed - NCBI

Loneliness and depression in spousal car... [Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003] - PubMed - NCBI: Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003 Jun;17(3):135-43.
Loneliness and depression in spousal caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease versus non-caregiving spouses.


William F Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3812, USA. B29111@aol.com
Abstract

Loneliness as a factor in the development of depression in Alzheimer's disease (AD) spousal caregivers has been given little attention. In this sample, 49 AD caregiving spouses reported significantly higher levels of loneliness and depression than did 52 non-caregiving spouses. AD caregiving wives reported greater loss of self and significantly higher levels of loneliness and depression than did AD caregiving husbands. Loneliness was the only predictive variable for AD caregiver depression, explaining 49% of the total variance. To meet the mental health needs of AD caregiving spouses, loneliness must be addressed along with the development of nursing interventions.

The Grieving Persons Bill of Rights pdf free ebook download from www.archomaha.org

The Grieving Persons Bill of Rights pdf free ebook download from www.archomaha.org




The Grieving Persons Bill of Rights pdf

View more  ebooks on ebookbrowse.com

Planning Checklist: For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home, or other care setting11376.pdf

- http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11376.pdf 
Your Discharge Planning Checklist:
For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home,
or other care setting


 During your stay, your doctor and the staff will work with you to plan for
your discharge. You and your caregiver (a family member or friend who may
be helping you) are important members of the planning team. Below is a
checklist of important things you and your caregiver should know to prepare
for discharge.

Instructions:
•
Use this checklist early and often during your stay.
Talk to your doctor and the staff (like a discharge planner, social worker, or nurse) about the items on the checklist.
 
Check the box next to each item when you and your caregiver complete it.
 
Use the notes column to write down important information
(like names and phone numbers).
 
Skip any items that don’t apply to you

Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | Alzheimer's Association Research Center

Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | Alzheimer's Association Research Center:

They need your help to advance research

Through clinical trials, researchers test new ways to detect, treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Recruiting and retaining clinical trial participants is now the greatest obstacle, other than funding, to developing the next generation of Alzheimer's treatments.

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They  need your help. Without participation, finding a cure is virtually impossible.

 #alzheimers

Download EasyLiving Free "Long Distance Caregiver Checkli

Download EasyLiving Free "Long Distance Caregiver Checkli

 The EasyLiving Home Caregiving Difference: With many years advocating for the rights of seniors and their families in Florida, we recognized what was lacking among private duty home care providers that elders needed most: flexible, high quality, personalized home caregiving. We established EasyLiving in response to what we would want for our own family, more personalized service, flexible scheduling and reliable, expert caregivers. We’re at your service whenever and wherever you need us, with home care for the way you live.


Phone:  727-448-0900      
Fax:  727-443-5258
1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 701
Clearwater, FL 33756                                  
Serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties-Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey and more

Senior Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome

Senior Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome: EasyLiving Blog


Have you noticed your loved one with dementia experiencing changed sleeping patterns and more difficulty late in the day?
Most likely you are experiencing the set of symptoms termed Sundowners Syndrome or sundowning behavior in dementia.  For a variety of reasons (from our bodies' natural rhythms and light signals to learned patterns), persons with dementia may have particular difficulty in the late afternoon and evening hours.  The person often feels a sense of restlesness and agitation--a need to go somewhere or do something, the sense of being unsettled.  This may manifest itself as a need "to go home" and lead to wandering or may show up in a variety of behaviors.
Senior care providers should be aware of this set of symptoms and watch for such patterns.  A care facility may want to staff this time of day differently or plan for specific activities and try to manage the environment.  Some examples include changes to lighting, providing distracting and/or calming activities during this time, ensuring residents have a snack and are well-rested and reducing irritating stimuli.  More one-on-one attention may be needed for safety and reassurance during late afternoons and evenings.
Senior caregivers caring for a loved one or client at home should also monitor for different behaviors and patterns.  What are some things you can do to better manage sundowners syndrome and provide safe, dignified dementia care?

Wandering and Elopement Resources | NCCDP Endorses Project Lifesaver

Wandering and Elopement Resources: Practitioner Definition

NCCDP Endorses Project Lifesaver

FEATURED LINKS

Elopement Resource Manual from Healthcare Association of New York


Wandering and Elopement: Litigation Issues from  http://www.nccdp.org/wandering.htm
Marie Boltz, MSN, APRN-BC, NHA Director of Practice Initiatives
The John A Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing
NYU College of Nursing
Introduction           
One of the most challenging, life-threatening issues related to care of the person with cognitive loss is the occurrence of wandering, wherein the person strays into unsafe territories and may be harmed. The most dangerous form of wandering is elopement in which the confused person leaves an area and does not return. The risk of wandering has become a growing concern of families, long-term care facilities, regulators, and insurers

.1 In addition to civil liability, care providers can be fined by the state regulatory agency for failure to prevent elopement.

2 The effects upon the population served and the staff are no less dramatic.  The sense of security of those served and their families is severely shaken, and staff morale as well as the organization’s reputation is dealt a devastating blow. 

3 The aim of this chapter is to define wandering, elopement, and related issues, and to summarize the scope of the problems in terms of prevalence and effect. The types and causes of wandering and generally accepted approaches to care will be discussed. The regulatory and risk management considerations will also be presented. A hypothetical case will be presented. Finally, the role of an expert witness will be discussed.

Day Clock | Non traditional clock shows the periods of the day ( i.e particular part of the day)

Day Clock | Dementia Clock | Alzheimer’s Clock
The Day Clocks’ has a clear and simple display of “Now it’s Monday Morning” This clock is unlike any traditional clock you have seen. It does not have one single number on its face, just the days of the week.  Non traditional clock shows the periods of the day ( i.e particular part of the day)

Help your loved ones who have Dementia or memory problems In the US there are as many as 5.4 million people who have Dementia. If a loved one has dementia or any other memory loss problems, the DayClock will help remind them the time of day. Making dementia more manageable.






The Aetrex Navistar GPS Footwear System · GPS Shoe

The Aetrex Navistar GPS Footwear System · GPS Shoe: GPS Shoe

Millions of seniors with dementia will wander in search of their lost memories. While we can’t find those remembrances, we can find the lost victims themselves.

The Mayo Clinic describes Alzheimer’s and the problem of Wandering: The disease can erase a person’s memory of once-familiar surroundings, as well as make it extremely difficult to adapt to new surroundings. As a result, people who have Alzheimer’s may wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up lost, frightened and disoriented — sometimes far from where they started.
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GPS shoes can help track people with Alzheimer's (video)

Alzheimer’s Speaks / Shifting Our Dementia Care Culture / International Resources

Alzheimer’s Speaks / Shifting Our Dementia Care Culture / International Resources


Bottom line all businesses, communities as well as individuals need to become Dementia Friendly. The statistics alone show the numbers are staggering and only growing. Now is the time to get ahead of the game before negative outcomes increase. We offer "Dementia Friendly Programs" for both companies and individuals.
Alzheimer's Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with dementia.  By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers.  By joining forces and sharing knowledge, we can win the battle against dementia.

Shopping for the Right In-home Help By Eileen Beal, MA

Shopping for the Right In-home Help: Shopping for the Right In-home Help
By Eileen Beal, MA


Home care vs. home health aide
Home care aides provide assistance with housekeeping and chores (meal preparation, shopping, errands, etc); socialization and companionship; and may also provide some personal care (bathing and grooming).  In some areas, they are called personal care assistants.
Home health aides – increasingly certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and/or state tested nursing assistants (STNA) – provide medically-related care (check blood pressure and glucose levels, dress dry wounds, empty colostomy bags, etc.); assist with therapeutic treatments prescribed by a physician; supervise medication administration; etc.
 “The client’s needs and the aide’s skill-level determine what the aide’s [hourly] fee will be.  The more skills the aide has, the higher the cost,” says Debbie Adams, RN, the Director of  the Cleveland, Ohio-based Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging’s Community Services and Support Program.
Write a job description
 Using the information you’ve gathered from discussing and assessing your loved ones’ needs, write a detailed job description.  “Care expectations vary from client to client, so having everything in writing means everyone knows, and meets, expectations,” says Lucy Andrews, the nurse/CEO at Santa Rosa, California-based At Your Service Home Care.

Renting a Stairlift for short periods

Renting a Stairlift for the Holidays | The Intentional Caregiver: Renting a Stairlift for the Holidays

courtesy of depositphotos.com

Christmas is an exciting time, filled with giving presents and simply being together as a family. You want to be able to enjoy the time spent with family and friends and not spend valuable family time worrying about mobility issues.

If you have become less able in recent years, or if you are caregiving for someone who has, it is understandable that you may not have the same holiday cheer you once had. You may find going to visit family and friends a chore as you or your care recipient struggle to climb up their staircase. You may feel like you will be a burden if you or your loved one cannot move freely around their home. You do not want your family to have to work their Christmas plans around any lack of mobility so you may suggest you will stay at home.

What most people do not realise is that if you can rent a stairlift for the holidays! A mobility lift is the perfect answer to all your mobility needs during the busy Christmas period. Perhaps your children live far away and you would like to stay with them before Christmas until the New Year.
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Features of typical rental lifts include:
  • Brand new rail and fully reconditioned seat
  • Comfortable padded seating and back rest
  • Fold up seat, arms and foot rest
  • Remote controls
  • Battery powered
  • Directional paddle switches
  • Digital diagnostic display
  • Safety sensors

The MedCottage, also nicknamed "the Granny pod",

Where to put elderly parents - National Green Living | Examiner.com: The MedCottage, also nicknamed "the Granny pod", is similar to a three-room apartment but it is equipped like a hospital room. Its water, electric and sewage systems work off the caregiver's home. It has a kitchenette and laundry facilities and comes in three sizes, 288 square feet, 299 square feet, or 605 square feet. The kitchen has a small refrigerator, microwave, and medication dispenser. One wall has a first-aid kit and even a defibrillator machine. There are safety rails, the bathroom is handicapped accessible, and there are three built-in cameras with one in the ceiling over the kitchen area and one in the floor to provide alerts of falls in the unit. Read the Washington Post article for more pictures of the unit and the story of the first occupant of one.

Smart robotic features monitor vital signs, filter air contaminants, and communicate with the outside world. Computers prompt with medication reminders and sensors alert caregivers of problems like the occupant falling and needing help. There are entertainment options for music, literature and watching movies. The state law in Virginia, where they originated, classified them a few years ago as “temporary family health-care structures.” They may not be legal in some states, so get them pre-approved first before buying one.

Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease |by Elayne Forgie,

Stages of Alzheimer’s

Early Stages – What day is it?

The disease begins in the hippocampus, then spreads to the frontal temporal lobe affecting recent memory, learning of new information, thinking, planning and organization.

Middle Stages – Who are you?

It moves further into the frontal temporal lobe and into the occipital and parietal lobes affecting sensory perception, communication, behaviors, impulse control, judgment and attention to personal appearance.

Late Stages – Who am I?

In the final stages the disease spreads throughout the brain and affects the ability to recognize anyone, including themselves, to control bodily functions and to eat and drink. Eventually, the brain can no longer tell the body what to do.



by on Dec 28, 2012 in Alzheimer's Care West Palm Beach ; more information on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another cognitive impairment, contact Alzheimer's Care West Palm Beach at (800) 209-4342

States With Filial Responsibility Laws | You May Have to Pay for Your Parents' Care

30states.pdf (application/pdf Object)


You May Have to Pay for Your Parents' Care



States with filial responsibility laws are: Alaska, Arkansas,
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana,
Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospitalization Wristband | Senior Holistic Living

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospitalization Wristband | Senior Holistic Living

The Collaboration Trap – The Wrong Way to Innovate | Senior Housing Forum

The Collaboration Trap – The Wrong Way to Innovate | Senior Housing Forum: Two Big Collaboration Problems
Collaboration is a good way to solve well defined problems where there is already a set of possible solutions. It is a terrible way to innovate. There are two reasons why collaboration is an ineffective . . . even impossible path to innovation:

1. Unequal Power – Good collaborative efforts put considerable time and effort into making sure all stakeholders have a voice. The process may even include a framework that allows the minor stakeholders have a disproportionately strong voice. Yet for all of that, some participants will have much more influence than others. In some cases it is strength that comes from position and in other cases, it comes from having a strong charismatic or forceful personality.

2. Accommodation – The word collaboration suggests that everyone has a voice and every voice has value. This means that as solutions begin to emerge there is an innate tendency to make sure everyone has contributed to the solution. That each person can say about some part of the solution “That was my idea” or “my contribution.” This means that ultimately, the solution(s) will regress to the mean, in other words regress to something that accommodates everyone even if not optimal.
--
 author: Steve Moran
smoran@seniorhousingforum.net
seniorhousingforum.net
916-390-2238

If you like this story  subscribe to his email list.
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Caregiver Cards


Communication Is Important

Communication is considered a shared responsibility. However, in dealing with persons affected with Alzheimer’s and dementias, the responsibility for understanding and being understood lies squarely with the caregiver.
Communication is quite simply the act of conveying or sharing information. Alzheimer’s and related dementias eventually create a barrier to effective communication, mostly dealing with the language part of communication.


 Caregiver Cards was founded off of the idea that not only are persons living with Alzheimer’s entitled to supportive and the best possible care, so are the caregivers. We understand so well, because we have cared for our loved ones too.

žCommunication is considered a shared responsibility. However, in dealing with persons affected with Alzheimer’s and similar dementias, the responsibility for understanding and being understood lies squarely with YOU the caregiver.

žYou, the caregiver, will be in charge of handling Caregiver Cards, and helping your loved one find their voice with a new style of communicating.

 Barbara Worthington is the founder and owner of Caregiver Cards. Barbara  with over 13 years of experience and knowledge related to care giving and Alzheimer’s.

How to Interact with a Person with Dementia in Distress |

How to Interact with a Person with Dementia in Distress



Dementia & Alzheimer's Weekly
Support & Insight for the Autumn of Life

Tips for Families & Volunteers on Visiting the Person with Dementia

MindStart - Puzzles, Games, and More for Persons with Memory Loss Tips for Having a Good Visit

Individuals with dementia can have difficulty with recent memories and with communicating, making it harder to maintain relationships with others on their own. Often, their friends, neighbors, and extended family members do not know how to handle this, so stop visiting or calling. Offer these tips to decrease the fear and make the visit successful.

Choose a quiet calm location
Introduce yourself, as needed
Keep focus on the person, using eye contact and patience
Avoid correcting; instead offer reassurance and praise
Avoid open-ended questions; instead use yes/no questions or questions where 2 choices are given
Monitor body language and facial expressions of the person
Enter their world. Talk about what they are thinking about at the time.
Reminiscence is a wonderful tool. Talk about past interests or significant life events.
Use adapted Alzheimer activities to form a connection and have fun together.



  
Don't know what to do when visiting with the person with dementia?
This is the perfect 'kit' to have a variety of activities that work for different stages of dementia. 
 Includes your choice of one 26 piece puzzle, various level re-usable word searches, and lacing card in a handy  binder. 

Official Site of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, LLC

Official Site of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, LLC: The newest component of the NCCDP is the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week Tool Kit.

The Tool Kit is available at www.nccdp.org. The Tool Kit and the declaration by the NCCDP Alzheimer's and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14th to the 21st was developed and implemented to bring awareness to the importance of staff educators being trained and certified in dementia care and to provide education by means of face to face interactive classroom environment and to provide comprehensive dementia education to all healthcare professionals and line staff. NCCDP recognizes the important contribution that Nurse Educators and Staff Educators provide to health care professionals and line staff and in honor of this week the NCCDP is seeking nominations for Nurse Educator and Staff Educator of the Year.

Currently there are no national standards for dementia education. The regulations are different from state to state. The NCCDP recommends at minimum an initial 8 hours of dementia education to all staff. Through out the year, additional dementia education should be provided that incorporates new advances, culture change and innovative ideas.
The tool kit includes:
  • Free Power Point / Over Head In-services for Health Care Staff, Tests and Answers, Seminar Evaluation and Seminar Certificates.
  • 97 Ways To Recognize Alzheimer’s and dementia Staff Education Week
  • 20 Reasons Why You Should Provide Comprehensive Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training to Your Staff by A Live Instructor
  • Dementia Word Search Games & Interactive Exercises
  • Movies and Books About Alzheimer’s You Don’t Want To Miss
  • Proclamation & Sample Agenda for Opening Ceremony & Sample Letter to Editor
  • Contest Entry Forms- Staff Education week
  • Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights & Alzheimer’s Patient Prayer
  • Nurse Educator / In-service Director of The Year Nomination F

In addition to facilitating the Train the Trainer programs, The NCCDP promotes dementia education and certification of all staff as Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP®).
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Incontinence: Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed

Incontinence: Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed:

It’s a topic most people don’t want to talk about, but it’s too important to avoid: incontinence. As we continue to educate our readers throughout Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it's important to shed light on the tie between dementia and incontinence.

Unfortunately, many people faced with worsening dementia are dealt a second, unexpected blow when incontinence begins to happen regularly. It may be an uncomfortable topic, but it’s incredibly common; as dementia progresses, incontinence becomes almost inevitable, according to a 2006 study. Another reason to deal with this care issue head-on is that it is the most common reason a person with dementia is institutionalized.

>>>>
It is also a reason many must stop attending Day Care

DLMifm

seniorszen.com is a free resource for finding local senior housing in Canada & Alzheimer's Care-- by Province


seniorszen.com is a free resource for finding local senior housing in Canada. They provide comprehensive information on Independent Living, Home Care, Residential Care Homes, Assisted Living, Alzheimer's Care, and Nursing Homes in all Canadian provinces.  SeniorsZen's Mailing Address:
Suite 400 - 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada

Alzheimer's Care-- by Province

Alberta   http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/alberta
British Columbia   http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/british-columbia
Manitoba  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/manitoba
Nunavut  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/nunavut
New Brunswick http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/new-brunswick
Newfoundland - labrador http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/newfoundland-labrador
Northwest Territories http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/northwest-territories
Nova Scotia http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/nova-scotia
Ontario  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/ontario
Prince Edward Island  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/prince-edward-island
Quebec  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/quebec
Saskatchewan http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/saskatchewan
Yukon Territory  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/yukon-territory

Dr. Bruce A. Chernof, MD: Synergy for Senior Care: Improving Partnerships Between Medical Services and Community-Based Care

"
Federal and state governments now place increased pressure on the health care sector to provide better quality care while reducing costs, such as readmission penalties and quality ratings on Medicare Advantage plans. However, many of the issues that emerge in the chasm between a hospital discharge and full re-entry at home are things that are beyond the hospital walls. For example, could the person navigate the three steps to get inside the home? If medications need to be taken with food, is there food in the refrigerator? Did the prescriptions get filled within 24 hours in the first place? Does the daughter know how to safely help mom get from the recliner to the bathroom?
These and other key issues are commonplace for a whole range of community-based organizations that answer the calls from frustrated family members and help make arrangements to smooth the transitions. Organizations such as aging and disability resource centers, faith-based groups and many others have much to offer health care systems that can no longer operate only inside the medical walls. Developing, fostering and managing partnerships between community-based organizations and the health care sector is a key step towards addressing the total needs of older adults and people with disabilities as critical junctures in their health. This is particularly true for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

While efforts are underway at the national level to improve care transitions, the dearth of information on how best to build partnerships between the community-based long-term services and supports and the medical sector is staggering. Both the health care sector and community-based services sector have been working on tackling the issue of care coordination, but have been doing so from their own perspectives and biases. Beyond anecdotes, there are few models on how to create, formalize and maintain these partnerships, or how to define and delineate what a joint approach to care transitions and care

Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed | Carers Chill4us

Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed | Carers Chill4us: PENSIONERS have formed their own lunch clubs which helps carers
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Isle of Thanet Gazette

Minnis Day Centre in Birchington is the sole remaining publicly run centre in Thanet. Some people have stopped attending after being hit by charges of up to £45 per day.

Carer Barry Hardy, 85, set up a club because he cannot afford the new charges to take his wife Kay to the centre.

Following talks between users and KCC, Mr Hardy decided to organise a club to give carers and pensioners a place to gather that did not break the bank.

Treatments for Behavior | Alzheimer's Association

Treatments for Behavior | Alzheimer's Association: Treatments for Behavior


Common changes in behavior

Many people find the changes in behavior caused by Alzheimer's to be the most challenging and distressing effect of the disease. The chief cause of behavioral symptoms is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. However, medication, environmental influences and some medical conditions also can cause symptoms or make them worse.

Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest : NPR

Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest : NPR: Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest

by The Associated Press
text size A A A
NEW YORK October 1, 2012, 05:53 pm ET

NEW YORK (AP) — Just after 10 p.m., when most people their age are going to sleep, a group of elderly folks suffering from dementia are just getting started, dancing and shaking tambourines and maracas in a raucous version of "La Bamba."

"It's a party," says an 81-year-old woman, among dozens of patients brought to a Bronx nursing home every night for a structured series of singalongs, crafts and therapy sessions that lasts until dawn.

The program, which appears to be rare, is kind of a "night camp" for dementia victims who don't sleep at night or tend to wake up agitated or become frightened or disoriented by the fall of darkness.

It's meant to provide care and activity — lots of activity — to fill the wee hours for people with Alzheimer's and similar diseases who live at home. And it's meant to provide their caregivers — usually a son or daughter — with a treasured night's sleep.

The Carers newspaper UK

The Carers newspaper


The Carers newspaper

Health and news for Family Carers in the UK

Can you clone: The "Elder Serve Program at Night

The "Elder Serve Program at Night -- provides a supportive environment from early evening to early morning from 7pm-7am. Sleep disturbances, confusion and wandering can put those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia at risk at if not monitored at night. During the night family caregivers are able to have caregiving relief in the form of a full nights rest. During the daytime those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia are able to return home. In some cases the program can be an alternative to full time placement in a nursing home. --- Google for : "Elder Serve Program at Night " for details and reviews

Family Value: Men at Work—As Caregivers - WSJ.com

Family Value: Men at Work—As Caregivers - WSJ.com: Agencies and private firms are rolling out new tools and services to help the growing number of men taking on the role of family caregiver—many of whom are still trying to hold down their day jobs.

Although the traditional stereotype of a family member taking care of an elderly relative is a wife, daughter or daughter-in-law, 45% of Americans in that role are men, according to a Pew Research Center report published in July. It was based on interviews with more than 3,000 adults in 2010.
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