Veteran Suicide Warning Signs

Posted on September 19, 2018February 4, 2021

If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder, please call 1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1.

Suicide is a national public health issue that affects all Americans. At VA, the health and well-being of our Nation’s Veterans is our highest priority.

Veterans in crisis and their loved ones can call, text, or chat to connect with caring VA responders at the free and confidential Veterans Crisis Line. Responders are qualified to deal with any immediate crisis.

If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder, please call 1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1.

In addition to the Veterans Crisis Line, VA offers a network of support and mental health resources for all Veterans and their families and friends. Every day, more than 400 VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect Veterans with care and educate the community about suicide prevention programs and resources.

To learn more about the issue of Veteran suicide as well as VA mental health resources, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov, where you’ll find the latest national and state-level research.

Learn to recognize red flags

People can experience an emotional or mental health crisis due to a wide range of situations. For some, it might be the end of a personal relationship. For others, it might be the loss of a job. For Veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service.

When emotional issues reach a crisis point, Veterans and their loved ones should contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press “!”

Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a person needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of self-harm. The following can all be warning signs:

Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
Feeling as if there is no reason to live
Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
Rage or anger
Engaging in risky activities without thinking
Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
Neglecting personal welfare; a deteriorating physical appearance
Withdrawing from family and friends
Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
Giving away prized possessions
Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will

The following signs require immediate attention:

Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
Looking for ways to kill yourself
Talking about death, dying, or suicide
Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

Article Taken From:
800-273-8255
https://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Aquatic Therapy Programs

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

Aquatic therapy programs can assist in treating both chronic pain disorders like arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as neurological disorders.

Aquatic therapy programs can assist in treating both chronic pain disorders like arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as neurological disorders. If you have ever had any questions regarding aquatic therapy, find out the facts here and how it can benefit you.

How does aquatic therapy work?

Since water constantly adjusts its shape, it can accommodate your movements. Using a concept called hydrostatic pressure, it compresses your skin, muscles and joints. The hydrostatic pressure assists in decreasing swelling caused by injury or those with arthritis. Additionally, buoyancy from the water assists in supporting weight. By reducing stress on joints, it aids in sprains, strains, and bone fractures. The warmth of the water further allows muscles to relax and increases blood flow to assist in healing. In doing so, it is particularly effective for muscle pain and fibromyalgia.

Does it hurt?

With aquatics therapy, it is actually just the opposite. When you are in the water, the pressure is a constant stimulus that your body is not typically accustomed to. Due to this, your nervous system actually dulls the pain, making it easier to stretch your muscles. This creates increased comfort while still retaining the maximum benefits of your treatment.

Are there additional benefits?

By utilizing aquatic therapy, your muscles will thank you. The warm water helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, causing relaxation. The flow of the molecules additionally acts as a natural form of massage to combat sore muscles. Due to this, aquatic exercise is often recommended as a great workout for individuals with physical limitations. It helps tone and stretch while emphasizing low impact exercise.

With aquatic therapy as well as aquatic exercise, you can relive pain without putting additional pressure on your joints. Contact PT Northwest today to learn more about how aquatic therapy can help you.

Article Provided By:
PT NorthWest
503-779-1020
www.PTNorthWest.com

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

3 steps to feeling less lonely

Posted on September 19, 2018February 4, 2021

Loneliness is nothing to be ashamed of. And if you educate yourself about loneliness, you can recognize and combat its effects before it becomes a major problem.

Are you a senior who sometimes feels a deep sense of loneliness? Are you someone who worries about a senior who seems lonely?

Loneliness is nothing to be ashamed of. And if you educate yourself about loneliness, you can recognize and combat its effects before it becomes a major problem.

Loneliness in medical studies

Research shows that loneliness poses a true health risk for elderly people — one that can lead to higher blood pressure, greater stress, reduced immune defense (lowered production of white blood cells) and earlier death in some cases.

The study also revealed the startling fact that loneliness is a better predictor of early death than obesity. Those who felt lonely were more likely to die within six years than their nonlonely counterparts even when the study adjusted the results based on individuals’ ages, health problems and other factors.

Three steps to beat loneliness

1. Seek companionship. Many people look only to caregivers and family members for friendship, but local support groups, senior centers or faith-based organizations can be wonderful places to make new friends.

If you are a friend or caregiver to an elderly person, encourage them to lead an active social life and look for opportunities to help them connect with others.

2. Rediscover interests. After retirement, seniors may find they finally have time to take up hobbies that career or family responsibilities made difficult. Consider volunteering, caring for a pet, gardening, arts and crafts, reading, following sports or playing an instrument.

Having a hobby helps people of all ages stay motivated and keep an eye toward the future.

3. Be patient. The process can take time. A casual acquaintance can slowly become a close friend. A new hobby may take a little dedication. But loneliness is preventable. Taking steps to avoid loneliness helps your emotional and physical health.

Article Provided by:
Salem Health
503-814-5554
www.SalemHealth.org

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

6 tips to prevent pneumonia

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

A healthy diet, as well as getting plenty of rest and physical exercise will decrease the risk of getting pneumonia.

Here are 6 tips to prevent pneumonia!

1. Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia in the Elderly

According to the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, sometimes there are challenges to the diagnosis of pneumonia in seniors because they may not suffer the classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough. Also, watch for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium or dizziness, or other, more vague symptoms — especially in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can impair the accurate reporting of pneumonia symptoms.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Ordinary respiratory infections, colds and influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia; the Mayo Clinic advises that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of these illnesses.

3. Practice Good Oral Care

Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, especially in people who may not be able to swallow effectively. Good oral care will decrease the bacteria that could cause aspiration pneumonia.

4. Make Sure Seniors Get Immunized

The Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute both advise seniors and others at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. Your doctor may also suggest a booster vaccine after 5 years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against influenza.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia — it greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting the disease, because it harms the ability of the lungs to defend against infection. Quitting smoking can help at-risk seniors defend against pneumonia.

6. Stay in Good General Health and be Active

Good overall health habits are critical to preventing pneumonia in seniors and in everybody, because they keep the immune system strong and able to fight off infection. A healthy diet, as well as getting plenty of rest and physical exercise will decrease the risk of getting pneumonia.

Article Provided by:
Advanced Lifeline Respiratory Services
800-928-9036
www.ALSVents.com

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Why choose an Elder Law Attorney?

Posted on September 19, 2018August 20, 2024

The Elder law attorneys solid understanding of these issues allows them to better serve the unique needs of older individuals and their loved ones and to access needed benefits and resources.

Elder law attorneys are essentially advocates for older individuals and their loved ones. Focusing on the areas of the law that impact people most as they age, these attorneys help with estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives for health care, and special needs planning. They preemptively protect people and their loved ones from the uncertainty and chaos that can come from losing capacity or death. They also provide guidance and help bring peace to situations when matters become too difficult to handle. Situations such as when a loved one loses capacity, dies, or has medical and long term care expenses that exceed their own resources. An Elder law attorney will walk you through the complexities of guardianships, conservatorships, probate, trust administration, and assist with Medicaid or veterans’ benefit planning and applications. The Elder law attorneys solid understanding of these issues allows them to better serve the unique needs of older individuals and their loved ones and to access needed benefits and resources.

What do all of those terms mean?

Estate Planning: Preparing a plan for what will happen to a person and their assets if they lose capacity or die.
Will: A legal document dictating who will receive a person’s assets at their death and who will guide those assets through probate.
Trust: A legal agreement naming someone to hold a person’s assets and use them as directed during and after their lifetime that allows for more control than a will and avoids probate at death. Special types of trusts can also be used to help with special needs and Medicaid planning
Power of Attorney: A legal agreement that authorizes someone else to manage a person’s assets on their behalf.
Advance Directive for Health Care: A legal document naming someone to make health care decisions for a person if they are unable to and giving that person instructions.
Special Needs Planning: Planning for benefits and other issues that arise when a child or loved one has a disability, can include supplemental needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and other tools to protect and empower.
Guardianship/Conservatorship: The court appoints someone to make financial (conservator) or health care and other (guardian) decisions for a person who lacks capacity.
Probate: The court process of administering a deceased person’s estate to pay creditors and distribute remaining property.
Trust Administration: The private process of administering a trust, frequently after a death as an alternative to probate.
Medicaid: The state/federal program responsible for, among other things, helping individuals pay for long term care if they cannot afford it.
Veterans’ Benefits: Various benefits available to military veterans to help pay for medical and other costs.

Article Provided by:
McGinty & Belcher Attorneys
503-371-9636
www.Mcginty-Belcher.com

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Alzheimer’s Network Program and Services

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

All too often they are not prepared nor do they have an outlet to help them cope with the progressive loss of their loved one.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that not only affects the individual with loss of memory and cognitive abilities, but it also creates stress and significant hardships on the family who are often caregivers for their loved ones. As Alzheimer’s worsens over time, going from early stages to advanced, the responsibilities of the caregiver grow as well. All too often they are not prepared nor do they have an outlet to help them cope with the progressive loss of their loved one.

At Alzheimer’s Network of Oregon our vision is to help create an enlightened and empowered community where no one walks alone. Our mission is to provide compassionate support, education and outreach to those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.

Alzheimer‘s Network of Oregon Adult Day Center

The Adult Day Respite Center will provide a place for individuals with dementia who are living at home to engage in social and life enrichment activities in a warm, home-like setting. These services will also help provide respite to caregiver and family members taking care of loved ones with dementia in their home.

Hours- Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

Our other programs and services include:

Music and Memory iPod program

Alzheimer’s Network is proud to be able to offer the Music and Memory program to individuals. We know that music has the power to positively influence those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Music creates moments for these individuals that elicit a positive interaction or emotions that facilitate cognitive function and stimulation.

Music Therapy

Our music therapy classes actively involve individuals in playing instruments and singing. Through their participation, they engage, laugh, sing and have fun.

Memory Screenings

We offer private memory screenings for individuals that are interested. The results are private and given to the individual to share with their Physician if warranted. It is not a diagnosis but merely a tool to be used to discuss with your clinician if you have other concerns.

Monthly Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Network offers monthly support groups for caregivers to meet with others that are in similar circumstances.

We also offer educational classes, care navigation, and referral serervices for caregivers, health care professionals, and others that are interested.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Network
503-364-8100
www.AlzNet.org

Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Alzheimer’s Association— We’re here for you day or night

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

The Alzheimer’s Association serves the estimated 65,000 Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. We offer free early-stage engagement programs, support groups, community educational classes and other dementia resources. If you, or a loved one, need resources or support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center (alz.org/care)

You are not alone. Whether you need information about early-stage, middle-stage, or late-stage caregiving, the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. Obtain day-to-day help, support and even learn how to plan for the future. Don’t forget to check out the Community Resource Finder (communityresourcefinder.org) and Care Team Calendar.

Alzheimer’s Navigator (www.alzheimersnavigator.org)

Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking to information, support and local resources.

Community Education and Support Groups (alz.org/orswwa)

We provide statewide educational opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, including family and professional caregivers, people with memory loss, and the general public. Our support groups create a safe, confidential environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. We have phone support groups and in-person groups geared towards caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

E-learning (training.alz.org)

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of Alzheimer’s and dementia courses available online, 24 hours a day.

“I Have Alzheimer’s” (alz.org/IHaveAlz)

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is never easy — it’s life changing. This website was created with input from individuals living with the disease. It’s easy to navigate and helps answer many questions including:

How do others respond to their diagnosis?
What should I expect as the disease progresses?
How should I plan for my future?
How do I live day to day?
What resources are available through the Alzheimer’s Association?

Alzheimer’s Association Trialmatch® (alz.org/trialmatch)

TrialMatch provides free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies. When you join a clinical trial, you have an opportunity to participate in vital research that could improve the lives of millions

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter
800-272-3900
www.alz.org/oregon

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

If you are like most of us there is a box of photos, slides and memorabilia under the bed or in a closet corner fading away. The memories inside are pure gold!

Take care. This is your legacy! A professional photo organizer asks you to inhale and remember, “A box of photos tells no tales.” It is probably (past) time to think about organizing and saving those photos, slides & stories.

Your organizer is a helper who has systems and ideas about organizing & storing irreplaceable photos so they are easy to find & don’t become damaged or lost. Instead of using them as bookends, a professional photo organizer can curate your collection of slides making it easy to view the memories they hold.

Who can forget photos from the mid 60s? Remember how they turned pink after they had been around for 30 years? A professional photo organizer can make minor adjustments to photos to get rid of the pink. They’ll look like they did originally.

There are lots of reasons to stop dragging your feet to get those photos out of the box.

Maybe you are thinking of downsizing? If so you might not have room for photos, memorabilia and sentimental objects.

Preserving your collection is a project you will want to prioritize ahead of time. Once you and/or your move manager give the go ahead, a photo organizer will scan memorabilia & trinkets to load onto a smart TV or digital photo frame for easy transport and viewing anytime. Images can also be shared with others in the cloud or on a disk.

A digital photo frame is a great “memory box” used to recall fond memories, sentimental objects, art, music, family stories or personal history.

Professional photo organizers wear several hats. Aside from scanning photos & slides to digitize and organize, they offer archive advice about fragile photos, documents & objects.

Maybe you’ve found yourself procrastinating once a family member asked you to write about your personal history or your stories? Many in this profession create montage or video documentaries told with interviews, your photos & personal history.

Do you want to delve deeper into your story? Bond with family members to include their stores & images? Commemorate a special occasion?

Your professional might offer printed photo memoirs: bound books or magazines to illustrate your rich legacy.

Through books or magazines a photo organizer creates a portable visual treasure for you and your family to hold, browse and cherish. This makes your personal history a gift that is priceless.

Isn’t it past time to schedule a consultation with one of these professionals? A photo organizer assures your photos, history and memories can be enjoyed time and again for generations to come.

No gift or souvenir will mean more to future generations than the time you took to create a lasting legacy.

Article Provided by:
My Beautiful Life Story
541-224-7715
www.MyBeautifulLifeStory.com

Advice for a Healthier You

Posted on September 19, 2018February 2, 2021

“We need to become activists in promoting healthful behaviors and try our best to remain active and healthy the rest of our lives.” (Arthur Hayward, MD, Geriatrician and clinical lead physician for Kaiser Permanente.)

Loneliness and social isolation can lead to poor health, an increased number of falls and dementia.

Tips for Health:

Regular health screenings

Medicare provides annual wellness visits. Women need a mammogram regularly after the age of 40. Men need to be checked for prostate cancer. Seniors don’t hear or see as well as they should; undiagnosed or untreated hearing problems make communication difficult.

Purpose in life

Hobbies such as volunteer work at a food pantry, church, animal shelter or making sweaters for drug addicted babies are ways to stay busy. Many seniors benefit from learning new games or artistic outlets, such as bridge, bingo, or painting.

Reduce stress

Schedule lunch and fun events with family and friends. Regular exercise, yoga, or meditation are other ways to keep stress at bay. An active person has a healthy mind.

Pets

Pets provide a social aspect to one’s day. Nurturing a dog or cat relieves feelings of social isolation. Walking the dog is good not only for the pet but provides activity and purpose to the owner. Studies have shown that seniors who have a pet companion tend to be healthier.

Transportation

When adequate transportation doesn’t exist, there is social isolation. Start with short rides on public transportation. See if your town has arrangements with the local taxi company for discounted rides. Also, ridesharing services such as Uber are available.

Technology

Teach seniors to use the computer and social media for keeping in contact with friends and family or playing games. They may enjoy texting on their phone.

Support seniors who have lost a spouse

Provide extra emotional and social support for seniors who have lost their mates. Spend time with them by going to the movies, a restaurant, and including them in family events.

Personal connections

Don’t count out sexual intimacy — there is no reason to limit sexual enjoyments. Even the smallest amount of contact is beneficial, such as friendly hugs as you’re greeting or farewell.

Article Provided by:
Senior Helpers
503-990-7112
www.SeniorHelpers.com/Salem