Stanton Lawson | Senior Care: Watch for Medication Mistake

Stanton Lawson | LinkedIn:

 sequoiaseniorsolutionsblog.com

Have you ever been given wrong medication from the pharmacy?
 It happens to seniors at home more than you think it does.


Pharmacy mistakes happen one out of five times.
A study in Auburn University in Alabama of 100 community pharmacies found blunders in one out of every five prescriptions. Common errors include incorrectly transferring the doctor’s instructions onto the label—like leaving out “Take before dinner” on a diabetes drug—or mistaking one drug for another with a similar look or name. Other times the pharmacist got the dosage wrong or the customer got someone else’s prescription.
How can you protect yourself?

• Drug counseling at the pharmacy counter caught 89% of errors, another study showed. These problems were corrected before the customer even left the store. If you take the time to review the medications with the pharmacist, check the dosage and review what the doctor says this can be a big help, especially if this is a new medicine.
• If you are refilling a prescription, open the container in the store to make sure it is what you are used to taking. Medications can look different from one refill to the next; the pharmacy may have switched to a generic that is a different color or shape. When you look at the pills, you have the right to ask about the change and if this is still the right medication for your condition.

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Companion Care for Seniors and Specialized Care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes, or Arthritis
Serving Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties

Massachusetts Passes LTC Regulations

The Mass legislature passed and enacted Bill 3947 to establish quality of care regulations for Alzheimer patients in nursing homes. Thanks to the thousands of calls, e-mails and postcards signed by all our
Alzheimer advocates, the bill has been sent to Governor Patrick for signing!  Thank you all! To learn more about advocacy in MA, contact Jennifer Carter and in NH, contact Heather Carroll.

Where to start

Alzheimer's Compendium http://tinyurl.com/cunmmvz Provides expert data:
    Alzheimer's Disease (1)
        Causes and Risk Factors (1)
            Disease / Injury (1)
    Caregiving Tips (7)
        Eating and Drinking (1)
        First Steps After Diagnosis (1)
        Scratching & Picking the Skin (1)
        Sleep Disturbances (1)
        Sundowning (1)
        Taking Medicine (1)
        Travel (1)
    First Steps (6)
        Getting Diagnosed (5)
            The Diagnosis Process (1)
            Where to Get Diagnosed (3)
            Why Get Diagnosed? (1)
        Newly Diagnosed (1)
    Non-Alzheimer's Dementia (1)
        Mild Cognitive Impairment (1)
    Symptoms (1)
        Behavioral Problems (1)
    Treatment (1)
        Prescription Treatments (1)
            Alzheimer's Drugs (1)

Avenidas - About

Avenidas - About

At Avenidas, we seek to create a community that supports and celebrates older adults. We provide a wide range of support options, information, and services that enable people to stay active, maintain their independence, help their aging parents, or care for a spouse. Our innovative programs and compassionate staff—paid and volunteer—help enrich the lives of more than 6,500 mature adults and their families each year.
A community-based nonprofit organization, Avenidas serves the San Francisco Bay Area mid-Peninsula communities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, and Mountain View. Facilities include:
Avenidas
450 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 

Traveling with Alzheimer’s Disease

Special Occasions and Special Challenges

http://www.avenidas.org/assets/pdf/caregivernews.pdf?utm_source=July+2012+Caregiver+Newsletter&utm_campaign=Caregiver+News&utm_medium=email



Avenidas Rose Kleiner Senior Day Health Center
270 Escuela Ave.
Mountain View, CA
(650) 289-5499

How to Find a Lost Bank Account | eHow.com

How to Find a Lost Bank Account | eHow.com

Canadian Seniors - Canadian Seniors

Canadian Seniors - Canadian Seniors: The Ultimate Resource Guide For Canadian Seniors

Save that old cell phone to call for help/911

Back in December 1997, all cellular telephones rule changes required call phone devices to have carrier network access to make unlimited FREE 911 calls.

So if you have an cell phone and no account you can still call 911
You MUST Keep your battery charged!

Calling 911n is simple
Turn on/Power up the phone.
Dial 911.
Press send and you will be connected immediately with the emergency dispatcher for 911.

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I had heard of this but just Googled to see if it is true.

I have a couple of old cell phones that I dropped the phone service.

Now I am going to charge them up in case our regular phone service is out.

You can buy 911 only cell phones but they are expensive. Yes they have one button like an medalert buton.

. That old cell phone could be a life line.

Social Security Disability | Alzheimer's Association

Social Security Disability | Alzheimer's Association   says:

What is the Compassionate Allowance Initiative?
Under this initiative, the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds individuals with certain diseases/conditions eligible for Social Security disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by the nature of the disease. While applicants still have to meet other SSDI criteria and/or SSI criteria, when it comes to the disability criterion, they are considered eligible by virtue of the disease and fast-tracked for a favorable decision about their eligibility for SSDI and SSI benefits.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) are paid to individuals who have worked for enough years and have a condition that is so severe that they are not able to work any longer. Administered by the SSA, SSDI makes monthly payments to eligible disabled individuals and is a significant benefit for individuals with early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer's disease. In addition to a monthly payment, it serves as entry to Medicare benefits for those under the age of 65. Family members (e.g., spouses and minor children) may also be eligible for benefits based on the applicant's work record.

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) are paid each month to individuals who are aged, blind or disabled and have limited income and resources (assets). The "disability" criteria for SSI are the same as for SSDI benefits. Unlike SSDI, eligibility for SSI is not based on prior work experience. In addition, in most states, individuals who receive SSI are also automatically eligible for Medicaid (medical assistance) benefits.

Why is this important to individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and related dementias?
Social Security disability benefits are very important to those with early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer's and related dementias because these individuals are often initially denied benefits – but usually win on appeal. Those affected by early-onset Alzheimer's are often simultaneously faced with the enormous challenges that the disease presents, while also undergoing a long disability decision process that is financially and emotionally draining. By adding Alzheimer's disease to the list of “Compassionate Allowance” conditions, it will simplify and streamline the SSDI/SSI application process and should result in receiving SSDI/SSI benefits in an expedited manner.

Hospice Program :: Metro West Medical Center

Hospice Program :: Metro West Medical Center: Hospice is a team-oriented approach to caring for individuals during the challenging journey of managing a life-limiting illness. Care is given to the individual wherever they prefer. It may be at home, in a nursing home or in an assistive living environment. Care is focused on maintaining comfort and dignity, not on curing. The interdisciplinary team caring for the patient and family consists of the following:

Patient’s Personal Physician
Hospice Medical Director
Registered Nurses
Home Health Aides
Social Workers
Spiritual Counselor – Clergy
Trained Volunteers
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, if needed


The team develops a care plan with the patient and family that includes expert pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support; as well as coordination of contracted specialty medications and assistive medical equipment. Nurses are available 24 hours per day to help meet the patient’s needs and support the family members and friends caring for the patient.

Palliative Care - Provider Directory

Palliative Care - Provider Directory

Massachusetts Estate Planning, Asset Protection Blog

Massachusetts Estate Planning, Asset Protection Blog: what was in the 5 years of financial records that we would need to produce for Medicaid under its 5-year look back period. As detailed in previous posts, you should not wait until the State asks for the documentation because they typically give you 10 days to produce it under the threat of a denial for lack of documentation. Now you might think, “what’s the big deal? We’ll just refile.” However, if Medicaid denies our application 5 months after we file it, for example, we can only refile and ask for 3 months of retroactive benefits, losing out on 2 months.

Alzheimer's and dementia care - Fairfax Station, VA Patch

Alzheimer's and dementia care - Fairfax Station, VA Patch

" the author of "Kisses for Elizabeth: Common Sense Guidelines for Alzheimer's and Dementia Care."
Background : I'm starting this blog so I can be a resource to any dementia caregivers in my community
I believe in using a common sense approach to solving caregiving problems and negative behaviors. For instance, keeping in mind that Alzheimer's and other dementias kill brain cells, it's important for caregivers to understand that the person who has it, cannot understand both sides of an issue. Arguing with them or saying no to them causes only agitation and upset. It could also lead to combative behaviors.
There are better ways to get the person with dementia to cooperate.  It's easier to change the topic or bribe a person to cooperate with care, using distraction and treats.  For instance, "Mom, I've got some of your favorite cake. We can have it after your shower."
There are lots of other things caregivers can do to make their jobs easier and help the person with Alzheimer's or other dementias have a higher quality of life. This is also true for people in nursing homes.
Learning about dementia care is a never ending process. People who have been caregivers are continually learning from the those they care for. I'd be happy to respond to comments or questions."

Massachusetts Estate Planning, Asset Protection Blog

Massachusetts Estate Planning, Asset Protection Blog: Elder Law Perspective on Taking Early Social Security Payments
 by Wellesley Estate Planning Attorney, Dennis B. Sullivan, Esq., CPA, LLM on Tue, Jun 12, 2012

Planning for Care Costs | Caregiver Center | Alzheimer's Association

Attribution, Material from:

Planning for Care Costs | Caregiver Center | Alzheimer's Association   http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-common-costs.asp

In order to plan for financial needs during the course of Alzheimer's disease, you'll need to consider all the costs you might face now and in the future. Since Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, the type and level of care needed will change over time.
Common care costs include:

• Ongoing medical treatment for Alzheimer's-related symptoms, diagnosis and follow-up visits
• Treatment or medical equipment for other medical conditions
• Safety-related expenses, such as home safety modifications or safety services for a person who wanders
• Prescription drugs
• Personal care supplies
• Adult day care services
• In-home care services
• Full-time residential care services

TIP: Care costs will vary depending upon where you live. Have a family meeting to discuss how much future care might cost and to make financial plans. Consider using professional legal and financial advisors for guidance.

Financial documents you'll need

Gather and organize financial documents in one place. Then, carefully review all documents, even if you're already familiar with them.
Financial documents include:

• Bank and brokerage account information
• Deeds, mortgage papers or ownership statements
• Insurance policies
• Monthly or outstanding bills
• Pension and other retirement benefit summaries (including VA benefits, if applicable)
• Rental income paperwork
• Social Security payment information
• Stock and bond certificates

At this point, it may also be helpful to identify which necessary documents are not in place. Professional financial and legal advisers can assist you with this task. You'll also need to learn about the legal documents needed to plan for long-term care.

Financial needs and goals

Free e-Learning Course

Learn how to put legal and financial plans in place, and how to access resources near you.

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Bring family together to talk about putting financial and care plans in place. Discussing financial needs and goals early on enables the person with dementia to still understand the issues and to talk about his or her wishes. If others are available to help, encourage the sharing of caregiving duties. And discuss how finances might be pooled to provide necessary care.
In addition to planning for the cost of care, there are many ongoing financial duties to discuss, including:

• Paying bills
• Arranging for benefit claims
• Making investment decisions
• Preparing tax returns

Back to top

Get professional assistance

Financial advisors, such as financial planners and estate planning attorneys, are valuable sources of information and assistance. They can help you:

• Identify potential financial resources
• Identify tax deductions
• Avoid bad investment decisions that could deplete your finances

When selecting a financial advisor, check qualifications such as:

• Professional credentials
• Work experience
• Educational background
• Membership in professional associations
• Areas of specialty

Make sure to ask the financial advisor if he or she is familiar with elder care or long-term care planning.


Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-common-costs.asp#ixzz1xOn9aNsw

Care Team Calendar | Caregiver Center | Alzheimer's Association

Care Team Calendar | Caregiver Center | Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association Care Team Calendar, powered by Lotsa Helping Hands, is a free, personalized online tool to organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. This service makes it easy to share activities and information with your community. Here's how:

Helpers can sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands. You can post items for which assistance is needed.

From your Care Team Calendar, friends and family can access AlzConnected message boards, post announcements and photos, and share information.

Alzheimer's Association New Caregiver Center

Alzheimer's Association: New Caregiver Center

Caregivers need resources, information and support. Find all three in our new Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center.

Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour | Alzheimer's Association

Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour | Alzheimer's Association

Medicare - A Primer from http://www.ourparents.com/

Medicare - A Primer

Medicare is a health insurance program designed primarily for people over the age of 65 or people that are younger the age of 65 but suffer from major disabilities. Medicare is federally issued health insurance that was created in the 1960’s to assure that older American’s had health insurance and resulted in a up-swing in the amount of health care facilities and practices across the country.

National Institute on Aging | The Leader in Aging Research

National Institute on Aging | The Leader in Aging Research: HHS is seeking comments on the draft National Plan to fully engage the Alzheimer’s disease community, the public, states, local governments, community based service organizations, the private sector and others in its development. Public comment will be accepted through March 30, 2012 and should be e-mailed to napa@hhs.gov. Creating and maintaining an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer’s disease is part of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 4, 2011. The draft plan has five goals: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025. Optimize Care Quality and Efficiency. Expand Supports for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Families Enhance Public Awareness and Engagement. Track Progress and Drive Improvement. These five goals, the supporting strategies and action steps proposed in the plan reflects input from the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services (http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/#Council) and almost 100 public comments received on an initial framework for the draft.

Alzheimer's Paid Caregivers Peer to Peer Connector | LinkedIn

Alzheimer's Paid Caregivers Peer to Peer Connector | LinkedIn: Members are encouraged to invite people to this group to help it grow faster. Subgroups Auto-Join: Any member of the main group may join subgroups without requiring approval from a manager. ........


http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4275556&trk=group_mgt_name Certified Home Health Aides (C.H.H.A.’s) Alzheimer's Specialists
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http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4275546&trk=group_mgt_name Certified Nursing Aides (C.N.A.’s)
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http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4275548&trk=group_mgt_name Certified Nursing Aides (C.N.A.’s) Alzheimer's Specialists
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http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4275564&trk=group_mgt_name In-Home Social Workers Alzheimer's Support
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http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4275539&trk=group_mgt_name Non-Medical Carers & Caregivers a subgroup of Alzheimer's Paid Caregivers Peer to Peer Connect