Author: Meghan Parsons

Advice for a Healthier You

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“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

Falls: Only You Can Prevent Them

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Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide and over 27,000 falls result in death every year. Fear of falling should not rule your life.

Here are some common risk factors:

  • Climbing ladders or standing on unsteady chairs
  • Rushing or not using mobility devices, such as a cane or walker
  • Wearing poor fitting shoes
  • Walking in non-skid or loose socks or in slippers without a sole
  • Medical conditions, such as neurological, or cardiac
  • Medications with falls as a side-effect (talk to your doctor)
  • Poor mobility (inactivity), cognition, and vision
  • Uneven, slippery, or irregular walking surfaces/stairs
  • Discontinuous or poorly-fitted handrails
  • Inadequate or excessive lighting
  • Loose carpets, rugs, cords and/or electrical wires

The key to preventing falls is recognizing risks and taking necessary steps to avoid them. Begin your fall prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about medications that may contribute to falls and get your eyes and ears checked yearly. Ask your doctor about what exercise is right for you. Physical activity can go a long way by improving your balance, mobility and reaction time. It can also improve your strength so you can stay independent. Exercising provides more energy to do the things you want to do and prevents or delays diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Keep your home hazard free. Make your home safer by removing boxes, newspaper, electrical/phone cords from hallways. Move coffee tables, magazines racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas. Clean spilled liquids, grease, or food immediately.

Article Provided by:
Wellness at Home 541-650-6200
www.WellnessAtHomeHealth.com

Grateful

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“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson

I am very grateful to be surround by awesome team members- personally and professionally. But it doesn’t happen without effort. Make sure you learn from your all stars, compensate for injured players, and work to strengthen your new players. You will only be as strong as your weakest link and sometimes realize that link may be you.

Adapting to Different Work Schedules

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“Just because people don’t work traditional hours; Doesn’t mean they don’t work hard hours.” — Amy Schmidt

Sometimes our work schedules are dictated to us by the type of work, coordination with co-workers, or customer needs. Today’s workplace is different than 20 years ago before smartphones when television went off the air at midnight, and most stores were closed by 8pm. We live in a 24/7 world. With 4 generations in the workplace today, be mindful of the changing times- If the job is getting done well and on deadline- then good job. Thank your team!

 

Progress

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“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happy Independence Day. Let us all remember those who fought to provide and protect our independence. Let us honor them by becoming great stewards of their efforts with benevolence to others. We can be great, while still being kind.

Comfort

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“If I am weird around you, it’s because I am comfortable.”
-Anonymous

In the past 2 months, after the death of a friend and team member, I have struggled at times to “act the person that I am expected to be”. Am I too stable, too soon? Am I sad, too long? Am I too focused on the wrong things? So now- I am working to just feel what I feel and be present and authentic. Sometimes it may not hit the nerves of others as I intended, but I am just as likely to hit a different nerve by not being true.

Grief

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“Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II

Grief can come in waves, sometimes the things that you believe should affect you are more manageable than expected, and other times a simple happening can start a wave of emotions. I am learning that being sad and crying is not a sign of weakness, but it means that I care and it means that someone I cared for mattered greatly.

Residential Hospice Care: An under-considered option for seniors end-of-life care

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Today, 50% of Oregonians die on hospice, but of those, over 40% do not die at home. Learn why residential hospice care for you and your loved one.

Today, 50% of Oregonians die on hospice, but of those, over 40% do not die at home. Without willing and capable family or friends to provide end-of-life support, dying at home on hospice care may not be an option. Photo from Steve Buissinne via pixabay.com 

Residential hospice care helps ease the burden of 24-hour in-home caregiving while providing a respectful, comfortable care setting for your loved-one’s last days. It is an option that is often under-considered for many Oregonians and can be especially helpful for those without friends or family to provide end-of-life care.

In the 1980’s when the hospice Medicare benefit was created, the plan was for free family caregivers to do the majority of the day-to day care. Visits from hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides and volunteers made it possible for hospice patients to spend their last days at home. They often relied on the able-bodied loved-ones, adult children, and grandchildren to provide daily care 23 out of 24 hours.

Today, 50% of Oregonians die on hospice, but of those, over 40% do not die at home. Providing care for a loved one dying at home is difficult and exhausting. Many don’t realize that though medicare-covered hospice nurses, social workers, and chaplains may visit a few times a week, they often delegate the majority of caregiving to the spouse, child, parent, or paid caregiver at great expense. For those dying without willing and capable family or friends to provide end-of-life support, dying at home on hospice care is not an option.

What is residential hospice care?

A hospice residential care facility is the next best thing to dying at home.

A residential hospice specializes in end-of-life care, unlike hospitals that are focused on finding and curing disease, nursing homes which are designed for rehabilitation and long-term assistance, or foster homes that provide long-term residential support. The cost of a hospice residential care facility, or RCF, is often a more affordable alternative and much less expensive than paying for 24/7 private duty nursing care that you bring into the home.

A dedicated hospice residence provides patients and families with a peaceful home-like environment to spend their final days.

What are the benefits of residential hospice care?

  • Residential hospice care allows patients to remain safe, comfortable, and cared for, so that their last weeks or days are peaceful and dignified.
  • The home setting and care ensures that patients can pass with dignity and respect that honors their individuality and personal traditions.
  • A hospice-supported passing provides lasting benefits for the patients’ loved-ones by allowing them to spend precious time together to deal with unfinished business, reflect, meet their own needs, and perhaps reconnect with the patients or others close to the patient.
  • Because the staff provides the physical care and follows the plan of care outlined by Medicare hospice providers, loved-ones are free to focus on what’s most important – that final precious time together.

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

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Active aging: The importance of social activity for seniors

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Approximately seven million individuals over the age of 65 experience symptoms of depression, recent studies revealed that social activity for seniors can reduce depression and dementia.

Approximately seven million individuals over the age of 65 experience symptoms of depression, recent studies revealed that social activity for seniors can reduce depression and dementia. Photo from Micheal Gaida via pixabay.com

Maintaining healthy relationships is crucial for individuals at every age, but especially for seniors. Isolation can be an extremely common problem among seniors who are living alone. While seniors may enjoy their independence living in their own home, they can still experience loneliness. Many seniors have spent a considerable portion of their lives in the company of others – be it in the workplace or raising children. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children leaving the house, the opportunities for remaining socially active often decrease, especially if the senior has to rely on others for transportation. It is important for seniors to stay engaged and connected, which is why moving to a senior living community can be extremely beneficial.

Benefits of social activity for seniors

The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented, but multiple recent studies have revealed an increasingly stronger link between social interaction and a senior’s mental and physical well-being. Research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase their own feelings of happiness, and to develop a sense of belonging. Various studies have shown that social activity for seniors has the following effects:

Improved mental health
Symptoms of depression and memory problems affect many seniors. Approximately seven million individuals over the age of 65 experience symptoms of depression, and it is estimated that dementia touches 1 in 7 Americans over the age of 71. Recent studies revealed that consistent human contact and interaction can reduce depression and dementia.

Improved nutrition
The need for proper nutrition is crucial for seniors, but healthy habits can be difficult to maintain when living alone. Many elderly people suffer from malnutrition. Studies show that seniors who have more social interactions were not only more friendly and lively, but that they also had more food intake.

Finding ways for seniors to stay socially active

Many seniors have family members or other caregivers who occasionally interact with them, but that is not always enough to keep them happy and engaged. While it is comforting for seniors to know their needs are met, they should also be consistently engaging with others, primarily with peers.

There a variety of different social activities for seniors to help them stay engaged. These include:

  • Volunteering
  • Joining clubs and groups
  • Moving to retirement communities
  • Staying connected with friends and family
  • Getting a pet
  • Attending a church
  • Learning new skills
  • Learning to use the internet

When it comes to socializing, the more the merrier! Seniors in large groups are more likely to encourage healthy habits among each other, including exercise.

Staying actively engaged while aging

Seniors may resist change and may need additional gentle encouragement to get more socially involved, but the benefits of an active social lifestyle reach well into the future.

Article Provided By:
Horton Senior Living
Call 541-770-1122

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Wise and Well: Tips for family caregivers

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Caregivers are most effective when they are well-informed, practicing consistent self-care and aware of their own limitations. If you are a family caregiver, here are some tips to help you remain happy, healthy, and wise about your role.

Caregivers are most effective when they are well-informed, practicing consistent self-care, and aware of their own limitations.

Caregivers are most effective when they are well-informed, practicing consistent self-care, and aware of their own limitations.

Tips for family caregivers #1

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish!

Ask yourself,“what good will I be if I become sick?” You can’t help others if you become sick, chronically ill or overwhelmed.

  • Get proper rest and nutrition
  • Set aside time each day for yourself
  • Take a walk, relax, or read a book

Tips for family caregivers #2

Set Relationship Boundaries

Caring for a family member makes sense for many reasons – familiarity, instincts to help/protect, and financial constraints. However, one of the main stressors is blurred relationship lines/ boundaries.

Define your roles and have a conversation with everyone involved to understand when you have to make decisions as a caregiver vs. child.

  • Be well informed about your loved one’s current situation – understand what they can/can’t do for themselves. Don’t feel you have to do it all. It will help them maintain a sense of independence if they remain responsible for some decisions.
  • Evaluate early on what you’re willing and able to do. Caregiving often is not a one-person job.
  • Prioritize needs—including yours. Then, be realistic and set expectations as to when/how you can meet the demands of those you are caring for.

Tips for family caregivers #3

Know the Signs of Burnout

We all have moments of feeling overwhelmed, over-burdened, and stressed out; watch for caregiver burnout. If you consistently exhibit these behaviors, it’s time for a break:

  • Lack of sleep
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Failure to exercise
  • Failure to properly care for yourself when sick
  • Skipping regularly scheduled medical appointments
  • Forgetfulness 4. You’re Not Failing by Asking for Help Recognizing the need for—then asking—for help in caregiving is one most important things you can do.
  • Ask family or friends for help. Even if it’s temporary, it will give you the break you need to feel refreshed and balanced.
  • Get support, encouragement, and ideas from other caregivers. Look into joining a caregiver support group where you can share tips and best practices.
  • Look into short-term options. Many senior living communities offer short-term stays to give you a well-deserved break or vacation to recharge and take care of yourself.

Caregiving is an important role. But remember you matter. Your needs are important too. Not only are you ensuring that you’re doing what’s in the best of interest of the person you’re caring for – you’re taking care of you! No one is expected to do it all by themselves.

Article Provided By
MBK Senior Living
Call today: 541-885-7250

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