Risk factors for seniors living at home range from leaving the stove on to calling 9-1-1 proclaiming they lost their car keys.  Not so funny, dementia or daily “forgetfulness” is very common with the elderly.  The degree of the memory issues should be evaluated carefully.  Does it pose a health or safety risk to your loved one or others around them?  If the answer to this question is yes, then steps need to be taken in order to ensure their overall well-being.

If you live in the same community as your senior loved- one, you may work out a schedule that includes checking-in on them.  You’ll probably want to have other family members, friends, or neighbors help with this.  The downside is that you can not always be there in the event of an emergency and it can certainly get very wearing on your personal life.  Keep in mind; this also may be a short-term remedy as your loved-one continues to age.

Senior home health care agencies may be your next option.  The Durango area currently has three agencies, Mercy Home Health, Alpine Home Health, and San Juan Basin Home Health.  They can help your loved-one with medication, housekeeping, bathing, and many other services.

One thing to note, however, is that home health care does not offer 24 hour supervision and your loved one may be at risk when they are not there.  Also, caregivers have one of the highest turnover rates in the nation.

Your senior citizen loved-one may have several caregivers who will need to be brought up to speed and sometimes scheduling conflicts can become an issue.  Home health care agencies do a good job filling in the gaps and can help keep them at home. However, if safety is in question when your loved-one is alone, you may need to explore long term elderly care options.

… part 3 will discuss issues surrounding, long term independent assisted care options.

Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community

http://www.sgwseniors.com/

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

Watching your senior loved-ones age is never easy. They may struggle to get around, forget names, skip meals, and even forego personal hygiene. What do you do? What is the best choice for mom or dad? There are nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, long term elderly care, and home health care options. These choices may seem overwhelming and endless. In fact, there are hundreds of Colorado nursing homes and assisted living facilities in your own backyard.

Step back and evaluate the situation. What are the risk factors facing your senior loved ones? Many include: falling, mismanaging medications and nutritional deficiencies.  Seniors are at risk… and if ignored, will end up in a dangerous situation or even in a long term senior citizen assisted living facility or a nursing home before their time.

Now’s the time to gather your family, friends, and other support systems and set up a meeting.

Research the local senior living options in your area. Turn to (in this instance) the local Durango Chamber of Commerce and other social communication website(s) like… Buzztown.com, which are excellent examples to find Durango senior living facilities, senior home health care and nursing homes surrounding Durango and the Four-Corners.

Visit all of the facilities, talk with the professionals and their facility’s staff members, ask a ton of questions, and evaluate the best options for your loved one. It is important to involve your senior loved-one during this process, as they will be the one receiving the ultimate care.

Keep in mind, however, the senior citizen may be reluctant to accept help or move from their home. These emotions are very common and need to be recognized.

The process from here can get “tricky” if you have determined your senior loved one needs extra help or should move to a senior care facility. Your next step is to weigh the risk factors versus their personal desires.

… part 2 addresses issues surrounding, at home assisted living health care.
Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com
… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

If so, you’ve no doubt enjoyed having the bragging rights about your mother’s, father’s or friend’s health and mental clarity. They’ve always been independent and always cared for themselves. Now, you may find that things are slowly beginning to change as the wheels of time move ever more further forward.

Are you noticing the factors that are affecting your communications, not the least of which could be your elderly loved one(s) memory lapse along with their hearing loss? Like, maybe your mom is forgetting that on Mother’s Day you always exchanged gifts and cards. Or, maybe your father just called you to ask when your birthday was. Or, your elderly friend is forgetting when s/he had their last meal.

As a sibling, you may be noticing the struggle with your “new” mother/father, as you find yourself desperate for the return of your “old” parent… which was the walking family story teller, the best cook in the world, and the fiercest scrabble competitor on the planet.

Are you spending more and more time assisting your elderly loved one around their home?… Or, might you be finding yourself driving to and from appointments, which previously were errands that they handled easily by themselves?

Feelings of sadness that come with past parental reflections can be one of the most powerful of emotions for anyone to negotiate. As well as, dealing with new surroundings… like, a parent that can’t grasp a fork and a knife in their arthritic hands, or, your senior finding it ever more difficult to negotiate simple tasks. Feelings of despair for one-self and sympathy for your elderly loved one is a tough situation to find yourself in, indeed.

As a caregiver, (and in order to cope) you may find it difficult to reach-out and ask for some advice from others that are going through the same concerns and experiences for encouragement, along with the experts, which can provide insights. But reaching out you must in order to comfort your soul.

Remember to also keep in mind ‘who’ your parent’s/friend used to be and cherish those memories no matter what. Cry, rejoice and live the moment of the beauty that life gave the both of you. If you’re that care-giving son, daughter or friend… these times can be certainly confusing. You may never get over seeing such radical day to day changes. But, you’ll certainly want to appreciate ‘with gratitude’ the bountifulness that comes with your wonderful memories.

Yes indeed, be good to yourself as that ever important caregiver!

Trisha Kellogg
Sunshine Gardens Senior Community

www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

The Dehydrated Elderly

Believe it or not… Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes for hospitalization in our older population.  Not only do warm temperatures contribute… but, dry indoor living conditions also increase body heat that forces them to excrete fluids in order to stay cool, thus creating a need for more hydration.

In fact, the elderly need up to 10 percent more fluids. On average, the adult elderly person should intake at least six, eight-ounce glasses of water per day.

Some of the signs and symptoms that dehydration is taking place include… dry mouth, light-headedness or dizziness, darkening of urine, increased weight loss and muscle weakness. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure and even death if not recognized and treated.

To prevent dehydration, make sure fluids are easily available. Set up a hydration schedule offering fluids every couple of hours. It is also wise that the elderly eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in water such as broccoli, tomatoes, oranges and such.

When you suspect that dehydration has already set-in, contact a medical professional immediately. Fluid and food in-take should continue if tolerated. The World Health Organization in the 1960’s approved an oral solution that helps the absorption of water and electrolytes.

Now, I’m not a doctor, but the recommendation by the ‘WHO’ is still used today and may be considered for elderly persons in remote areas or who cannot access a medical professional. The solution is as follows:

¾ Teaspoon of Table (preferable ’sea’) Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
4 Tablespoons Orange Juice
1 Quart/Liter Water

As we age, our body composition has less water in it, which makes the elderly more susceptible to dehydration. Younger people have 70 percent water content in their bodies, while elderly adults only have 60 percent or less (According to Ransky Law). Other contributing factors for dehydration in the elderly include a lowered thirst response, swallowing difficulties. The elderly also have more health problems and when sick, people need even more fluids to stay healthy, making it extremely important to keep up with water (fluids) intake.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

I talk with residents who tell me about their former careers, amazing vacations they’ve been on, achievements throughout life, etc.  They even relate to where I am at in my life right now. “When my first son was born, I was so terrified, yet excited,” one resident recalled.  “He wouldn’t sleep until I bounced him so long I developed a constant twitch.”  That’s right, I would think…  That’s what I have to do. Then ten minutes later, the resident would ask me how my baby was and recap her experience, “When my first son was born, I was so terrified, yet excited.”  My heart sinks each time. Will that be me when I get “OLD?”…

Then I talk with another woman who just celebrated her 101st birthday!  She tells me to come into her room where she is sitting with her newspaper sprawled out and her magnifying glass in hand. “Can you believe what a jerk that Madoff guy is?  He deserves everything that’s being handed to him,” she states with a grimace.  Then she talks about our current economy and the Great Depression and how our country is so mis-managed.  “Will we ever get it right,” she asks rhetorically as I look at her in amazement.  How can a woman who is so old be so with it?  Will THAT me be when I get “OLD?”

I then cross the hall where I see little Tracy trying to get out of bed with twisted hands and feet from years of arthritis eating at her joints.  She looks at me with frustration and says, “It sucks being old.  Don’t ever do it!”  I chuckle, yet empathetically also want to cry.  Tracy’s mind is as sharp as the 101 year-old, but her young, 74 year-old body is failing.  Will that be me when I get OLD? “

Each day I am humbled and curious about life.  If I eat right, will my body be healthy and strong when I’m 80?  If I read a lot and do crossword puzzles, will I bypass Alzheimer’s Disease?  Who knows the answer to these questions, scientific experts?  What “controlled” study will they come up next?  Probably one that claims green tea and tomatoes are the cure all, oh wait, it’s that little yellow pill passed down from Big Pharma.

The one point I am certain about that people can control is attitude.  I see young, healthy individuals complaining about how life stinks and they’ve been handed the raw end of the deal.  Then I see someone like Tracy struggling to get out of bed and making jokes about being old.  She smiles everyday and has a little skip in her crippled, walker-aided step.  Tracy loves life and makes the best of her situation.  Hmm, why the difference in attitude?  Is it experience or the understanding that life could be much worse?  Or are the younger generations just spoiled with an overindulgent sense of entitlement?  Just a little something to ponder.

I, personally, am humbled everyday by the elderly people of this community.  They each have their own struggles and issues, but they are alive and continue to thrive.  I just hope younger generations appreciate where they are at in life and realize that one day they, too, will be “OLD.”  No matter what body part fails or how bad the memory declines, it’s attitude and relationships that are the difference and make life worth the struggle!

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

]]> http://durangoseniors.org/working-with-the-elderly/feed/ 0 http://durangoseniors.org/depression-in-adult-elderly-persons/ http://durangoseniors.org/depression-in-adult-elderly-persons/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:37:53 +0000 Seniors http://durangoseniors.org/?p=88

Depression in the elderly is becoming an increasing problem in the United States. According to the National Institute of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, 5 million suffer from varied forms of depression, while at least 2 million have severe depression.

Many people are not aware the condition exists and others believe that seniors have a reason to be down. It is important that our local communities are educated about this issue and take steps to help decrease the number of those that deserve assisted living who suffer with the illness.

One must recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. They include: fatigue, loss of appetite or weight gain, changes in personality or attitude, loss of self-worth, fixation on death, and social withdrawal or isolation, to name a few. Watch closely for these signs as often times they can be hard to detect if one is not aware of possibility that their loved one has depression.

Several factors can cause depression in the elderly. Loneliness, the recent loss of a loved-one, increased health problems, medications, and the fear of death can all lead to depression. Other depressed seniors may not show signs of sadness, but may become more irritable or anxious. Still, some seniors may just show physical signs of depression including increased physical pain or headaches.

Interestingly enough, the Department of Health and Human Services… Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that: “the use of psychotherapy to assist with depression with adult elderly persons is a fraction of younger aged highly educated individuals. Only a minority of elderly with depression receive psychotherapy, despite its widely acknowledged efficacy.”

There are steps one can take to help a depressed senior or to prevent the disease state all together. You can visit the senior often and give them the opportunity to talk about their feelings. Make sure they are eating proper meals and taking their medication as indicated. If you see warning signs of suicide, you will need to call a health professional to assist with this behavior.

Depression is a common ailment that can be prevented and treated. The key is to recognize the warning signs and offer care and assistance when needed.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

The risk of falling increases with age and falling is the number one cause of injury in adults over 65. These numbers are cause for great concern, but awareness and prevention can help decrease the likelihood of falls in the senior citizen years.

With the elderly, it is important to recognize factors that contribute to falls. They include: change in eye site, lack of strength or physical ailments, changes in medication or dosages, poor lighting, stairs, throw rugs, small objects lying around the house, and other risk factors that add to the list.

How can you prevent the risk of falling for yourself or loved-one? First, you need to assess the living situation. Does the house or apartment have stairs? If possible, opt for housing that is one level or requires little use of stairs. If this is not an option, make sure there are handrails to assist in climbing the stairs. Also, put handrails near the toilet and shower in each bathroom.

Next, exchange house slippers for well- gripped shoes, remove loose throw rugs or tape them down, and tack down carpet edges.

You will also want to keep all wiring or electrical cords out of walkways and keep living areas well-light. In addition to the aforementioned, make sure all surfaces around the house are even. Fill any cracks in the sidewalks or driveway and remove unsteady porch swings or benches.

Taking care of you or your senior loved-one’s health will also decrease the chance of falling. Set up hearing and eye appointments every year to check for changes or any indicators of concern…

Have a health professional review all medications. Some medication combinations’ can make one dizzy or cause other serious issues. Also several medications may be less effective as the body ages.

Finally, consult you or your loved-one’s physician about a regular exercise program. Exercise will increase both strength and stamina, which decreases the likelihood of falls. Physical activity also helps improve coordination and balance.

With age comes the risk of falls and falls can lead to serious injury or death. Improving health and being aware of potential hazards will help ease the mind of you or your loved-one.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

How will you go about this and what is the proper way to bring up the topic?

It is important that you talk to your parents about long term elderly care before a major illness or crisis occurs. It is a lot easier to discuss scenarios and act on logic when your parents are still in good health. If you choose to wait, you may miss your opportunity.

When initiating the conversation, do not try to tackle everything at once. Ask open -ended questions like “When you think about the future, where do you see yourself?” Try not to be judgmental with their responses and listen to their thoughts and feelings.

It is also important not to overload them with questions. Have several short conversations so that they do not feel you are interrogating them.

Approaching your parents depends on their personality type. Some people need the direct approach, “I noticed your health is declining and we need to discuss living options for the future.” Others prefer an indirect method, “I noticed that Nancy from across the street moved into an adult living facility; do you know anything about that?”…

It is, however, important to be clear with your parents about health and safety, regardless of the style of approach you use. Be factual about any particular needs or their medical prognosis and be honest.

It may also be necessary to bring others to help you during these conversations for moral support or to reiterate the importance of the discussion.

Realizing that it is time for you to address the possibility of assisted living and elderly care housing with your parents can sometimes be unsettling, but don’t feel that you need to tackle the issue all at once. Plan a series of questions to ask your parents and prepare for all types of responses. If necessary, contact a local assisted living facility or the health department for more suggestions and advice.

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

* Tasks that were once simple are now labor-some.
* Weight loss/Lack of appetite.
* Less mobility/Trouble getting around
* The house is un-kept and laundry is piling
* They are having difficulty managing their medications
* Personal appearance and hygiene are lacking…

(Trouble brushing their teeth, showering, combing their hair, etc.).

* Loneliness or need for socialization.
* Lack of interest or motivation..
* No longer able to drive.

It is important to recognize these signs early and work with your loved one to determine the most appropriate living situation. If you wait too long, they may end up injured or in need of additional care or a nursing home. Although assisted living sometimes has a bad connotation, it can be the ideal alternative to living at home.

Assisted Living facilities allow your loved one to maintain strong levels of independence, while not feeling like a “burden” to their families. Your loved one will also have the opportunity to participate in activities, socialize and meet new friends, and enjoy healthy, delicious meals. Assisted Living allows your loved one to personalize their own room or apartment and make it their home. They can come and go as they please and the environment does not have that “institution” feel.

Often times it is more difficult for you to move your loved one into an assisted living facility knowing that they are no longer able to care for themselves. However, you should recognize the strong potential that your loved one will thrive in an assisted living environment. They will have twenty-four hour care, an extensive social calendar, and a life of endless possibility.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090

Growing up, I never thought of my grandparents as old, but as wonderful, kind people who spoiled my siblings and I with candy and attention.  They hosted wonderful family get-togethers, attended graduations, and were always there to offer love and support.  I didn’t really take the time to notice that as I grew older, they too, would continue to age.

I first noticed my grandparents aging in high school when my maternal-grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.  His illness forced me to realize that my grandparents would not live forever.  As senior citizens, they became frail. Shortly thereafter, my grandfather lost his life to this disease, and my grandmother was widowed.

Nine years later, my grandmother was still trying to pick up the pieces.  She was the homemaker her entire life and was still trying to mend economically and emotionally.  In her mid-70’s she continued to live at home, but realized that one day it wasn’t going to be an option anymore.  She will need additional care that family and friends can not provide.  We’ve asked ourselves… what are her adult living facility options?  What types of retirement living home care communities are in the area?  Does she want to be closer to her other children?  These questions remained as she and her family prepares for the future.

My father’s parents, on the other hand, are ready for senior citizen assisted living now.  My grandfather is in his early 80’s and my grandmother in her late 70’s.  They both are weak and my grandmother has had several heart surgeries resulting from years of smoking.  My grandfather has a terrible cough, probably emphysema, and is also very tired and ailing from his smoking.  My grandparents only eat when their children remind them to and many times it’s just snack foods that are accessible.  My grandfather has no dementia, but my grandmother is very forgetful which causes concern.  All of these signs point to the need for senior care assistance.

So… my parents, aunts, and uncles have decided to look into senior assisted living facility options.  They know that my grandparents should not live alone.  They need steady meals and a clean environment.  They also need protective oversight in case of falls or other emergencies.  It is a difficult reality to face, but in order to ensure the best quality of life; our family knows that changes have to be made.

My personal example is just one of millions throughout the United States.  Families are facing obstacles such as these everyday and as the Director of a Colorado assisted living facility called Sunshine Gardens Senior Community, I see first-hand the growing need for residential assisted living.

People come to our assisted living facility in Colorado out of curiosity, or in the “fact-finding” stages months before they prepare to move their loved one(s) in, or even sometimes needing a senior living care facility immediately.  I work with many types of people with varying needs.  Some folks are very independent, but are looking for social stimulation and meals, others need help dressing, bathing, and with their medication.  Still, some people have extensive needs requiring long term elderly care with assistance getting in and out of bed or reminders that it is time to use the bathroom.

Whatever the scenario or situation, it is important for families to realize that there are elderly care housing options.  Some in need may not be excited, in fact, they may down right refuse to make a change, but for the sake of health and safety it just needs to be done.  Sometimes loved ones will go willingly, other times; it causes family feuds and eventual interventions.

It is never fun to force your loved ones to receive help and/or move into senior care homes, but when you see a need, it is important to act on it before it is too late.  They may end up hurt or in a situation that requires more care than they (or you as a loved one) had originally planned.

If you haven’t already, be sure to download the complimentary… “Independence, Dignity & Happiness” ebook that outlines residential assisted living guidelines, alternatives and cost comparisons, to assist you with the insights you and your loved ones require in making this very important decision.

If you have any immediate questions regarding our facilities here in beautiful Durango Colorado or just want some general assisted independent living concerns addressed, you’ll find further educational material for your review within this blog and at our Web-site. Also, if you desire, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss these sensitive issues, anytime.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090