Author: Meghan Parsons

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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Why seniors shouldn’t ignore small vision changes

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Ensuring seniors do not dismiss small vision changes and continue to get regular eye exams is important for their continued health and wellness. Small vision changes like floaters or specs that move across your field of vision are a common complaint in middle-aged and elderly people that can be indicative of other problems like Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD).

The importance of a senior eye exam

The spots that we tend to refer to as floaters or specks, occur in the vitreous humor, the clear, jelly-like substance in the main chamber of your eye located between your lens and your retina. When you’re young, the vitreous is clear. As you age, the collagen fibers of the vitreous degenerate, forming clumps which cast shadows on the retina, causing the floaters you see. As the vitreous continues to degenerate, it can pull away from the back wall of the eye, creating a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). A PVD is often associated with new floaters and flashes of light around the periphery of your vision. A PVD can sometimes cause tears in the retina which can lead to a retinal detachment, so you should have a dilated eye exam if you are experiencing these symptoms. Once your eye doctor has ruled out a retinal tear, the floaters, if annoying, can be addressed.

Solutions for Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

Historically, the only remedy for floaters was a vitrectomy, or removal of the vitreous in the operating room. The FDA recently approved the Ellex Ultra Q Reflex YAG laser for noninvasive treatment of floaters in the office setting. Unlike other YAG lasers, the Ellex Laser is optimized for this procedure, which is called Vitreolysis. Nanosecond pulses of laser light are applied to vaporize the vitreous opacities. The floater’s collagen and hyaluronin molecules are converted into a gas. In the end result, the floater is removed or reduced to a size that no longer impedes vision.

Preparing for Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) treatment

In preparation for the painless, office-based procedure, a mild topical anesthetic drop will be placed on your eye. Then a contact lens will be placed on your eye to better focus the laser directly onto the floaters. During the treatment, you will likely observe bright lights and small dark shadows as the floaters are being vaporized into small gas bubbles. These gas bubbles quickly dissolve. Each treatment session typically takes 15-30 minutes. More than one treatment may be necessary to obtain satisfactory results. Following treatment, you may observe small black floaters in the lower part of your field of vision from the gas bubbles produced during the procedure. These dissolve quickly. Rare side effects include cataract and an increase in intraocular pressure.

If the symptoms of floaters are bothering you and affecting your quality of vision, we recommend scheduling an appointment for an evaluation to see if Vitreolysis may help you.

Article Provided By:
Adam AufderHeide, MD, PhD Retina Care Center
541-842-2020
www.RetinaCareCenter.org

Senior Resources: Why you could use a Senior Move Manager

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Senior Move Managers have the resources and knowledge to save money, find creative results for problems, and greatly reduce stress during an extremely stressful time in your life – Not to mention getting a lot done in a short amount of time, as they do this for a living! Here are the main six tasks of a Move Manager and why you might want to consider hiring one before embarking on your moving adventure.

Decluttering and Downsizing
If you’re moving to a smaller home (and odds are you are), you’re going to have to get rid of some of your belongings. Give it to family, sell it, dispose of it, donate it, put it in storage… probably a combination of all five! A Move Manager works with you to identify what goes where, and they do this with compassion knowing these aren’t just belongings, but rather a lifetime of memories.

Space Planning
When trying to decide which of your belongings will fit in your new home, it helps to have a Move Manager doing space planning. Measuring rooms and furniture and customized floor plans are all part of the process, and knowing what will fit in your new home prior to the move is key.

Planning and Coordination
A lot must be considered when planning a move; between getting everything packed, waste removal, estate sales, moving company quotes, and hiring cleaners (just to name a few), it’s a lot to get the timing right! A Move Manager can get all of this lined up and in the right order.

Packing
Where to start? Which room?What types of boxes are best for which items? It’s overwhelming for sure, and it helps to have a third party working with you who does this for a living. In fact, as a Move Manager is an experienced packer, your belongings are likely safer during your move.

Unpacking
What’s even more overwhelming than figuring out where to start packing?? Where to start unpacking!Again, it’s what a Move Manager does; ideally, you can just step into your new home and turn the lights on. 6. Organization – A Move Manager gets everything put away in its place, from stocking pantries to shopping for organization options. Being able to walk into a home ready to live in is priceless.

From start to finish, a Senior Move Manager has you covered!

Article Provided by:
Team Senior Move Managers
541-295-8230
www.TeamSeniorMoving.com

8 exercises to improve seniors balance and reduce falls

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Improving a seniors balance is key to avoiding broken hips, hip fractures, and falling which are common among seniors. Over 90% of hip fractures are due to falls and hip fractures can often lead to serious complications.

Improving seniors balance can save lives

Good balance can be a lifesaver — literally! A few minutes a day spent on improving balance can mean the difference between a crippling injury from a fall or remaining safe.

Before exercises, the first step to regaining senior’s balance is to see the doctor for a physical, including a medication review, musculoskeletal check, and blood tests for cholesterol and glucose levels.

8 Exercises for improving seniors balance

Knee Lifts
Lift the knee as high as the hip using a secure object for support. As strength increases, decrease the tendency to lean on a support and try holding the leg up for 3 seconds or longer.

Point and Flex
While sitting, point toes and then flex them. Repeat.

Toe Tapping
While sitting, tap toes. Repeat.

Sit-to-Stand
When necessary, use a chair for support when standing and again when returning to a sitting position. Try to gradually decrease use of support as legs strengthen.

Calf Muscle Strengthener
Hold onto a wall or chair and repeatedly raise up and down on tiptoes. As strength improves, go higher up on toes and try with one foot at a time.

Shin Muscle Strengthener
Lean against a wall with heels placed 7 – 8” from the wall. Lift the toes of both feet off the ground as high as possible.

One-legged Stand
Hold onto a secure object, like a sturdy chair. Lift one leg up and try to maintain balance on the standing leg.

Hip/Thigh Muscle Strengthener
Take extra trips up and down stairs. Hold the banister with one hand and press the other hand against the wall for safety. If wary of stairs, strengthen the same muscles by getting out of a chair repeatedly.

Improving seniors balance through home safety

Professional in-home care agencies can help reduce the risk of falls for seniors through:

  • Home safety assessments to identify and correct potential hazards
  • Recommendations for assistive devices, such as ramps, hand railings, and grab bars
  • Assistance with mobility and safe transfers, including support with tasks like bathing and dressing
  • Help with strengthening exercises
  • Safe, accompanied transportation to medical appointments and other outings
  • And more

Article Provided By:
New Horizons
541-857-9195
NHcares.com

10 benefits of agency-based home care

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When trying to decide the best home care solution for your aging loved one, it helps to explore all your options. The information provided can help you explore the benefits of agency-based home care, answer some of your commonly asked questions, and help you understand what to ask when deciding on an agency for your care needs.

10 advantages of agency-based home care

  1. Caregiver background checks, reference checks and ongoing drug screening
  2. Liability insurance for accidents and wrongdoing, workers compensation insurance for caregiver injuries
  3. Backup caregivers allow for continuity of care, no breaks in service, and having family/friend to manage
  4. Access to RN’s, Case Managers, & schedulers
  5. Continuing education and training of your caregivers on latest industry techniques
  6. Industry and Department of Human Services oversight on best practices,
  7. Quality assurance programs to ensure the standard of care
  8. Access to long-term care insurance for those with policy in place
  9. Access and assistance with obtaining Veterans Aid and; Attendance pension for home care
  10. Peace of mind

Cost of agency-based home care versus private home care

If cost is a consideration for you, then you should know that agency-based home care does tend to have a higher average cost at about $38/hr while private home care may only cost, on average, $22/hr.

Commonly asked questions about agency-based care

Are “Home Health” and “In-Home Care” the same thing?
Home Health is a medical service for people who are homebound which includes skilled nursing, at-home physical therapy, pain and prescription management, and wound care. Home Care is classified as non-medical assistance with daily activities including personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, ambulatory assistance, medication administration, and nurse delegated care. Although agencies can manage medications and some minor wound care, they are limited in their medical services.

Will my Medicare or Health Insurance pay for my services?
No, both are medical insurances. The entire home care industry is non-medical. The only insurance that ensures a benefit for home care is Long Term Care insurance.

What questions should you ask an agency when deciding on care and why

Do you pay your caregivers as employees or as contract employees?
It is a State law that all agencies must employ their caregivers as employees.

Will I have the same caregiver every shift?
Any case that is 5 or fewer days per week and less than 8 hours and one shift per day, should be scheduled with one caregiver. Caregiver availability is a rising challenge so you may need a second caregiver, but you should see the same caregiver(s) on a weekly basis.

If I am unsatisfied with my caregiver what can I do?
You should have the ultimate choice in your caregiver. It is wise to try and work out issues, as caregivers want to please you and are willing to adapt, but if you don’t have a choice, look elsewhere.

Article Provided By:
Ed Emberlin
Owner Visiting Angels Southern Oregon
541-773-5002
www.VisitingAngels.com/Medford

Planted

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“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.” –Christine Caine

It can be hard to see the silver lining when it is very very cloudy. You don’t see the strength you can provide others because you don’t even know you have enough for yourself. But when we stop thinking, planning, and fighting, and just take a minute to “be present”, maybe a new normal can be found.

Team

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“A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other.” – Simon Sinek

I sometimes see teams and work groups focus on annual “team building exercises”. The building of a quality team doesn’t happen because you set aside a few hours once a year, it happens because you set aside time when it is needed and you know and really care about the others on your team. Then these “exercises” are just a fun time with your friends.

“Caregiver Syndrome” and healthy self-care tips for caregivers

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It is easy to get caught up in all of the things that our loved one needs, but if you aren’t healthy, who is going to care for your loved one? Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.

It is easy to get caught up in all of the things that our loved one needs, but if you aren’t healthy, who is going to care for your loved one? Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.

A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person in need. According to womenshealth.gov, in 2012, 36% of Americans, most of whom are women, provided unpaid care to another adult in the past year.  As Baby Boomers age, this number is expected to rise. Self-care is often thrown aside by caregivers due to their caring and compassionate nature. That said, self-care is vital for the caregivers in order to live a full and happy life.

Caregivers are special people – big-hearted, sensitive, responsible, well-intentioned; they are motivated by and feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing they are doing right by their loved one.  However, it is often at the expense of the caregiver’s health and results in Caregiver Syndrome.

What is caregiver syndrome?

Caregiver syndrome is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from the caregiver’s lack of self-care.  It is typically a chronic, long-term challenge as the caregiver often faces years of caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers of those with dementia are among the most likely to suffer from Caregiver Syndrome.  If you are caring for a spouse; if you live with the person you are caring for; if your loved one exhibits behavior or care needs that are challenging; if you feel you have no choice about caregiving; if you are responsible for young children as well as the person for whom you are providing care, you are at more risk of suffering from Caregiver Syndrome.

Without sufficient help and support, the caregiver is left vulnerable to wide range of physical and emotional problems, putting their health at risk and affecting their ability to provide care. Some of the physical health risks include heart disease, depression, compromised immune system, weight gain, and sleep deprivation.

It is easy to get caught up in all of the things that our loved one needs, but if you aren’t healthy, who is going to care for your loved one?  Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance.  (There is a reason why the flight attendants tell the passengers to put their air masks on before assisting anyone else!)

Self-care tips for caregivers

Here are some tips to prevent or manage caregiver stress and help avoid Caregiver Syndrome:

  • Ask for and accept help. This can be a friend or a professional. Having even a few hours were extremely important in maintaining one’s own health.
  • Take care of your health. Find time to go for a walk, or other exercise, even if it’s not for an optimal length of time.  Fresh air and sunlight can do wonders.
  • Join a support group. Being a caregiver can be very isolating.  Joining a support group puts you in contact with others dealing with very similar circumstances as you – they “get” it in a way others may not, and understanding you are not alone can help a lot.
  • Talk to a professional. Most therapists, social workers, and clergy members are trained to work with individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including those suffered by caregivers.

Whatever you are able to do for yourself will help you care for your loved one.  You owe it to you both.

Article Provided By:
Cheri Elson Sperber, Attorney at Law
Drescher Elson Sperber, P.C.
info@AshlandOregonLaw.com
www.AshlandOregonLaw.com

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