Author: Meghan Parsons

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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Weighing costs: home versus a senior living community

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When you compare the cost of living at home versus a senior living community, making the switch may be more affordable than you think. As you consider your choices and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

As you consider your choices for senior living and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

When you compare the cost of living at home versus a senior living community, making the switch may be more affordable than you think. As you consider your choices and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences. 

Compare Your Home Costs to Senior Living

When you want to compare your current budget with costs for a senior living community, consider what goes into the bottom line.

Price Considerations

Location, Location, Location — Just like your current home, pricing for senior living depends on supply and demand, and the local cost of living.

Size up the square footage — Residence size will also influence costs no matter where you are. Rent for a 500 square-foot studio apartment will usually be less expensive than rent for a 1,100 square-foot two-bedroom residence.

More services mean higher costs — Whether you have in-home help or assistance with daily life activities at a senior living community, more care will increase costs.

Reduce Your Monthly Expenses

Here’s how you can save money when you make a move to senior living:

– Say goodbye to home repairs, utility bills or lawn maintenance fees. Most living expenses are included in the monthly fee for senior living accommodations.

– Current homeowners will also do away with property tax, property insurance and expensive home repairs.

– You’ll save on food costs. Two or three meals per day are often included in your monthly fee.

– For seniors who may have cut their entertainment budget in their current home, a move is often a welcome change. Senior living communities bring back the fun with classes, outings and social gatherings.

– Safety and security are important. At a senior living community, you’ll have help available, if you ever need it. There’s no price tag on peace of mind.

Article Provided by:
Brookdale Senior Living
877-396-4700
www.Brookdale.com

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Senior travel tips: traveling with hearing aids

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Travel is a significant part of our lives and retirement means the opportunity to go on more adventures is inevitable.

Travel is a significant part of our lives and retirement means the opportunity to go on more adventures is inevitable. Senior travel can be stressful, and with more than 20 million people in the U.S. making these trips with hearing loss, travel can be especially challenging. Vacation should feel like a vacation, which is why we have put together this helpful list of senior travel tips for traveling with hearing aids.

Some common problems include: difficulty making reservations, failure to hear or understand scheduled events like tours, live performances, planned activities, and difficulties hearing or understanding airline boarding and in-flight announcements. What can you do?

1. Whether you are traveling by train, airplane, cruise ship, or bus, it is key to make all travel arrangements in advance. Most means of transportation allow you to sign up for text and email alerts so if you miss an announcement there is a back-up way to alert you. Bonus to signing up for mobile phone alerts is that you won’t need to get up to check the display board for updates.

2. For safety when traveling alone, it is important to inform an attendant that you are hearing impaired. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from fellow vacationers, most are more than happy to offer assistance.

3. Will I need to take my hearing aids out for a security screening? Most importantly, keeping hearing aids on will allow you to communicate with security officers during screening, when necessary. In most cases, hearing aids worn on the ears won’t set off the alarms. If you are concerned, the security scanner will not harm your hearing aids or other related devices.

4. Be prepared with printed copies of travel, lodging, and activity reservations that include dates, pricing, and your confirmation number.

5. Many venues have the necessary devices to assist with hearing. Check whether the attraction you are visiting has accommodations. Some places are even tele-enabled and can transmit sound straight to your hearing aids. This can be extremely helpful on a noisy tour or music event.

Planning and informing your transportation hosts and letting clerks know that you are hearing impaired can help keep you stress free and keep your trip running smoothly. Lastly, don’t get discouraged, there are many things that hearing-impaired travelers can do to travel with ease, and vacation in peace.

Article Provided by:
The Grove and Gardens
503-433-8403
www.TheGroveandGardens.com

SAGE Metro Portland: LGBT-friendly senior housing

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SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region.

The Current Problem: LGBT-friendly senior housing. A 2014 study by the Equal Rights Center found that 48% of LGBT-identified seniors “experienced unfavorable differential treatment in terms of availability of housing, pricing, financial incentives, amenities or application requirements.” Unfortunately, LGBT-friendly senior housing is hard to find. Many LGBT older adults are forced to hide their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to avoid mistreatment, harassment, and discrimination in senior living environments.

The Solution: 

SAGE Metro Portland developed the Housing Equality Survey Tool, used to vet and identify LGBT-friendly housing providers in our area. In 2015, SAGE Metro Portland published the nation’s first local consumer guide to finding safe and welcoming housing for LGBT people as they age. The survey is now being replicated in other parts of the country.

In an effort to broaden our reach to consumers and to include more housing providers, we are launching a new partnership with our friends at Retirement Connection who have agreed to add a highlight “LGBT Designated” housing communities. This will provide more choices for LGBT older adult consumers when shopping for housing. To become “LGBT Designated” communities have shown a commitment to going above to become more educated and inclusive. This process includes minor adjustments to some and policies, as well as, ongoing staff trainings. The communities that chose to become “LGBT Designated” prior to printing the current edition, are listed on the page to the right. More will be added as we grow the program and increase awareness.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region. For over 15 years, SAGE Metro Portland has been the preeminent social service organization focused on developing strengths and overcoming challenges for this vulnerable population.

Sage Metro Portland Offers:

– Case Management/Options  Counseling

– Caregiver Support

– Information and Referral Services

– Trainings

– Community Outreach

– Activities and Special Events

– Friendly Visitor Volunteer Program

– Advocacy

Do you life or  work in an LGBT-friendly senior living Community? If so, we want to hear from you!

To become an LGBT Designated Senior Living Community, or for more information, email:
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

Article Provided by:
SAGE Metro Portland
(Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

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