Find meaningful volunteer work with the Long Term Care Ombudsman program

Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteers advocate for the rights, dignity, and quality of life of adults in nursing homes, residential care and assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. Everything they do is free and confidential. Backed by a professional staff, they visit licensed facilities, get to know residents, investigate complaints (from residents, family, friends, facility staff, the public, or anyone), watch and listen for problems, and with the resident’s approval, work to resolve them.  A few examples:

•  An assisted living resident with diabetes often receives her insulin medication much later than her doctor instructs which threatens her health.
• An elderly woman is placed in memory care after a serious illness. As she recovers, her mind clears and she wishes to return home to a loved one, but her family is opposed.
• A man in an adult foster care home needs help to find a cost-effective way to get a hearing aid, but his overworked caregivers seem too busy.
• A man is back home after a stay in a residential care facility, but his final billing was in error, causing a problem with his insurance company.
• Frequent intercom calls over loudspeakers in a memory care unit startle and annoy the residents and prevent the homelike atmosphere that state rules require.

The need for volunteer Certified Ombudsman in the Mid-Willamette Valley area is great.  While there are 384 licensed care facilities serving close to 9700 residents, there are only 19 volunteers.  This leaves vulnerable residents without the advocacy and protection they need.

You can make a real difference in ways large and small. To learn more, call the LTCO program office at 800-522-2602 and/or visit its website at www.oregon.gov/ltco.  Ombudsman volunteers receive initial training followed by regular support meetings and further training, make their own flexible schedules, and always have the professional staff to turn to. Many who volunteer are seeking ways to continue contributing to the community, often after retiring. Others volunteer because they have family experience with inadequate care facilities, they wish to honor deceased elders, wish to learn about issues affecting the elderly, or simply feel they would enjoy the work.

Article Provided by:
Long Term Care Ombudsman
800-522-2602
www.oregon.gov/ltco

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While the fastest growing population segment in the United States is the 85+ age group, only about 25% of this population is currently exercising at recommended levels. Exercise has numerous benefits as you age:

Cardiovascular Health

• Improved overall cardiac function
• Improved blood pressure
• Decreased risk of hospitalization rate for congestive heart failure
• Improved lipid levels

Diabetes Management

• Decreased incidence of diabetes
• Improved glycemic control
• Improved insulin sensitivity

Bone Health

• Decreased bone density loss
• Decreased fracture rate
• Improved functioning with osteoarthritis

Cancer

• Potentially decreases risk of colon, breast, prostate and rectal cancer

Other Benefits

• Decreased fall risk
• Improved balance
• Improved sleep
• Improved cognitive function and short-term memory
• Decreased rate of depression
• Decreased risk of obesity

The World Health Organization recommended activity levels for people age 65+ to achieve fitness benefits are

• 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 min of vigorous intensity activity throughout the week
• Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes duration
• Older adults with poor mobility or balance should perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week
• Muscle strengthening activities involving major muscle groups should be done at least 2 days a week
• When older adults cannot do the recommended amounts of physical activity due to health conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.
• It’s never too late to start exercising! Just remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. A physical therapy consult may also be beneficial to learn exercises specific for your needs.

Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercise_and_aging_can_you_walk_away_from_father_time

Article Provided by:
PT Northwest
www.ptnorthwest.com

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Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints.

Hip or knee pain due to arthritis or related conditions can have a significant negative impact on a person’s quality of life. Arthritis pain can lead to limitations in mobility and daily function, sleep disturbance, and loss of enjoyment with recreational activities. Per the
Arthritis Foundation, nearly 50 million people in the United States have some form of Arthritis.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear and tear condition that destroys joint cartilage. Joint cartilage is a tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones where joints are located. It helps cushion the bones during movement, and because it is smooth and slippery, it allows for motion with minimal friction.
Sometimes, as the result of trauma, repetitive movement, or for no apparent reason, the cartilage wears down, exposing the bone ends.

Over time, cartilage destruction can result in painful bone-on-bone contact, along with swelling and loss of motion. Osteoarthritis usually occurs later in life and may affect only one joint or many joints.

Prior to surgery you will usually have tried some conservative treatments such as simple analgesics, heat and ice, weight loss & exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, modification of your activities, canes, or physical therapy.

Once these have failed it is time to consider surgery. Most patients are between 60 to 80 years, but each patient is assessed individually and patients as young as 20 or upwards of 90 are occasionally operated on with good results.
The decision to have surgery, is cooperative one between you, your surgeon, family and your local doctor. It also depends on your age, health, and activity level, and on how much pain and disability you have. Most people have knee replacement only when they can no longer control arthritis pain with medicine and other treatments and when the pain severely interferes or limits your activities of daily living.

The benefits following surgery are relief of: severe pain that limits your everyday activities including walking, shopping, visiting friends, getting in and out of chair, gardening, etc., pain that wakes you at night, and stiffness.
If you are having hip or knee pain that is limiting your quality of life, don’t wait another minute, call your doctor and see what options are available.

Article Provided by:
Willamette Valley Medical Center,
The Joint Replacement Institute
503-435-6571
www.capellahealth.com

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A Neurologist is a doctor of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. You are most likely to see a neurologist after being referred by your primary care provider or after having been in
the emergency room for one of the following conditions:

1. Stroke. “In the last two months, 80 percent of the patients I treated in the hospital were for stroke,” said Ramsis Benjamin, MD, a neurologist at Salem Health Medical Clinic on 12th Street in Salem. People have a hundred billion neurons, he noted, but lose 1.2 million of them for every hour treatment for stroke is delayed. “If you experience stroke symptoms—slurred speech, blurry vision, numbness—call 911 immediately and get to the ER,” he said. “Treatment works best within three hours of onset.”

2. Dementia. According to Dr. Benjamin, memory loss naturally begins around age 40. By age 65, 5 percent of
the population has dementia and by age 85, 50 percent. “Dementia encompasses short-term memory loss, behavior and speech changes,” he said. “If your loved one is hoarding, acting strangely, obsessing about neighbors, or not recognizing family members, then it is time to seek help.”

3. Migraines. If your pain starts on one side, throbs and pulsates and delivers severe pressure along with nausea, light sensitivity, “seeing stars,” and muscle tension, you may have a migraine disorder.
Do not go off medication(s) without first consulting with your doctor.

4. Seizures. According to Dr. Benjamin, 3 percent of the population experiences seizures, which are most frequently a byproduct of a stroke leaving scar tissue on the brain. Seizures can also be caused by brain tumors and infections such as meningitis. Generalized epilepsy is present in 1 percent of the population.

5. Nerve pain. More than 100 different types of peripheral nerve injuries (neuropathy) have been identified. Neuropathy can be characterized by a burning sensation  or stabbing pain, or quite the opposite, a numb feeling or no feeling at all.

More than 60 percent of people with diabetes have neuropathy, said Dr. Benjamin. Carpel tunnel syndrome is another common nerve entrapment disorder.

Neurologists work to understand how structures of the brain impact functions. They use electrodes in muscles,
a needle in the spine, and nerve studies to diagnose conditions. Most conditions can be treated by medication. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, please consult your doctor,  or with stroke, call 911.

Article provided by:
Salem Hospital
Regional Rehabilitation Center
503-561-5986
www.SalemHealth.org/rehab

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Studies show that music has the power to positively influence individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It can create moments in these individuals’ lives that elicit positive interactions, evoke emotions and facilitate cognitive functions.

Music Shifts Mood & Manages Agitation

There are two types of music that are commonly used: music that calms and music that stimulates. Music that stimulates can promote movement in individuals as evidenced by tapping toes, shaking one’s head and body, etc. Calming music has the ability to do just that, it calms and relaxes the individual. Playing an iPod with music  can stimulate an individual who typically falls asleep during meal times, helping them to stay awake. Calming music for individuals who are agitated can help calm and soothe them.

Music Stimulates Positive Interactions

Music can help with agitation promoting positive memories that help to increase opportunities for positive interactions with someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias. This can lead to better interactions with family members and caregivers.

Music Promotes Emotions & Memories

Music that has been personalized to a person’s past, particularly their late teens and early twenties, can elicit strong emotions and even bring back memories. Music can and  often has promoted interactions with family members and/or caregivers.

Music Helps Facilitate Cognitive Function

When used appropriately, music can facilitate cognitive functions. The part of the brain that processes music and connects it back to memory is one of the last parts of the brain to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This is why a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can recall and sing the words to a song from their past. Singing does not require the cognitive function that is no longer present in those with dementia. The long term memory is the last to be affected and music can be used to tap into those memories.
Alzheimer’s Network is proud to be able to offer the MUSIC & MEMORY iPod Program. Alzheimer’s Network works directly with family members and caregivers to create a personalized playlist for the individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to bring them the benefits that music can offer. Alzheimer’s Network offers this program for free in area facilities and has seen the benefits of music on individuals in our community.

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

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For a millennia, families provided their homes a a safe harbor for their aging family members. This noble tradition, which many families still desire to sustain, can create enormous challenges. Ever-accelerating demands of modern society encroaches into nearly every aspect of  a family’s time and availability, often limiting the level of care that could have been provided in less demanding centuries past. At times, these demands entirely curtail the option of the loved one remaining at home.

This kind of care can save money. The average annual in-home care cost in the US is $37,440 versus $75,000 to $85,000 in a skilled nursing environment.

In-home care enhances safety, increases general contentment, and gives the senior more freedom and personal decision making control than in any other environment.

In-home care can enhance family relations.  As care needs increase, family members often lose the personal relationship because the caregiving demands become so acute. In-home care gives families back the time to simply be together and enjoy each other.

This care can also offer family members more free time. Housework, laundry, linen changing and other daily routines can be done by the professional caregiver during their down time when not directly providing care to the loved one.

In-home care can give the primary caregiver(s) respite time to recharge, resuscitate and regain the energy to serve the loved one.

In-home care is personal.  Although a professional office team backs up the caregiver and provides leadership, oversight, support, training and guidance, the caregiver focuses on the senior and flexes to his or her lifestyle, personality, hobbies, interests and desires.  Professional Caregivers know how to strike a balance between being a friend and remaining a care provider.

This kind of care can significantly improve the quality of life and extend the life of a loved one. National data indicates living at home decreases stress and increases comfort, confidence, safety and contentment for aging seniors.

Depending on the license, home care can provide an impressive array of services and support from house cleaning and cooking to RN delegated tasks and complete medication administration.

In-home care becomes appropriate when the loved one wants to age-in-place, but needs additional care that family and friends cannot easily or effectively provide.  From a few hours a week to 24/7, in-home care can support and enhance the life of a loved one while at the same time increasing personal and quality time for the entire family.

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

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Falls are a leading cause of injury and care concern. For fall prevention, focus on three key areas: what you can do for yourself, how you can improve your environment, and who you can  contact for help.

Movement is key

Being physically active is the key to fall prevention. It promotes maintenance of good leg strength, balance,
coordination, flexibility and joint mobility (knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, elbows, and wrists.)

• Some ideas for physical activity are walking, weight training, cycling, Tai Chi, water aerobics, and yoga. If you avoid physical activity out of a fear of falling it actually increases your fall risk.
• Always wear good shoes: Proper fit, non-skid and sturdy. Avoid slippers, high heels, slick soles and walking around in socks.
• If you feel a decrease in your physical strength or coordination and balance, your doctor may refer you to physical therapy. A physical therapist will tailor a unique program to improve your strength, balance and coordination to reduce your risk for falling.

Make your home fall proof

• Keep your rooms, hallways and stairways well-lit and free of clutter.  Remove electrical cords from walkways. Get rid of area rugs and carpets or secure them to the floor (Velcro stripping works very well.)
• Put non-slip tape or floor mats in the shower or bathtub.
• Keep commonly used items within
  close reach. If you must store commonly used items, do so on shelves between hip and eye level.
• Use night lights in areas where you sleep or commonly walk at night
• Consider installing hand rails for stairs, toilets and showers.
• Make sure you have a phone within
  reach at all times. Clean up spills right away – get help if you need.
• Don’t use stepping stools.

See your doctor

• Some health conditions increase your risk of falling: Heart conditions, brain conditions, orthopedic conditions, or ear and eye disorders. Make sure you are receiving proper treatment of your health conditions.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• If you fall, keep track of the details and share them with your doctor: Who, what, where, when, why and how.
• Some medications put you at a higher risk of falling. Make a list of all of your medications and review them with your doctor. Many medications have side effects that can contribute to falling.
• Maintaining good overall health can help to reduce your risk for falling.
• Ask if Physical Therapy may help to reduce your risk for falling.

Article Provided by:
Andrew Toop, Director
Josephine Caring Community
360-629-2126
www.SaratogaRehab.com

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After a long day’s work, most employees need a good night’s rest to recharge, Molly only needs to be plugged in.
Molly, who will be joining the Patriots Landing staff in September of 2016, is an advanced interactive robotic baby harp seal developed by AIST, a leading Japanese industrial automation pioneer. She has been used in care facilities as a form of therapy for dementia and memory care residents and exemplifies the Patriot’s Landing’s dementia trained employees strides to stay on the cutting edge with dementia/memory care.

Molly the robotic seal has five kinds of sensors: tactical, light, audition, temperature and posture. She recognizes light and dark and can feel being stroked as well as the amount of pressure used to pet her. She understands when she’s being held and can recognize the direction of sound responding to both her name, greetings and praise. Molly imitates the voice of a real baby seal and expresses feelings through noises and body movement as well as facial expressions which allow her to react as if she has real emotions. She can change the way she responds and cries, learning the resident’s preferences and reacting with emotions such as surprise and happiness. She expresses feelings by closing and opening her eyes, following movement, and moving her head and flippers.
About the size of a cat and weighing exactly six pounds, Molly the robotic seal is easy to hold and pet.  She recharges simply by plugging in her electric pacifier.  A full charge is achieved in 3 hours and lasts for 5 hours of continuous use.

As a class two medical device in the U.S., she has been found to reduce the stress of both residents and their caregivers by stimulating increased interaction and socialization. Molly has also been shown to improve relaxation and motivation thus creating a positive psychological effect on residents and those she interacts with.

Molly’s manufacturer name is PARO.  PAROs have been used in Japan since 2003 and came to the U.S. in 2008. PAROs are covered with artificial fur similar that of a real baby harp seal.  The fur is antimicrobial while still being soft and inviting to the touch. Their body is also designed to be soft and comforting. PARO was designed with a diurnal rhythm to help determine its daily activity, making it more active during the day and less active at night. It also has sensors for sight, hearing, and touch as well as the ability to move autonomously.

We as humans are wired for connection. While the staff at Patriots Landing does not strive to replace that connection with robotics, we are excited to enhance it with the interactions of our newest staff member, Molly at Liberty Lane, our Memory Care Residence.

Article Provided by:
Patriots Landing
877-964-4900
www.Patriotslanding.com

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CCRCs are now called life plan communities, not to be confused with life care communities. Life care communities provide the same continuum of care to a resident for life, but the biggest difference is this: residents who become financially unable to pay their monthly care fees will be subsidized by the community with the same access to services and with no interruption in care or change in priority status. In other words, residents are guaranteed the same quality of care and access to care from day one through end of life regardless of their personal financial situation. In addition, most life care communities offer all healthcare services on the same campus. The idea is that after qualifying through a health and financial application process, residents will never have to move again except between levels of care as needed.  For example, a resident may be required to move from assisted living to skilled nursing as his or her care needs progress, but the new place of residence will be on the same campus. However, certain states allow life care communities to provide skilled nursing services off campus as long as it is under the ownership and supervision of the life plan provider and not through a contract agreement. There is one other significant difference. In a life care community, residents do not own real estate under their life care contract. Upon a resident’s death, the apartment (or room) that he or she occupied reverts back to the community.

The Contract Types: A, B & C

In general, there are three types of continuing care contracts: Type A (Extensive or Full Life Care), Type B (Modified or Continuing Care) and Type C (Fee-for-Service). Each contract type involves a different degree of risk to the resident and the community. The highest level of risk is assumed by communities with a Type A contract and the lowest with Type C. The opposite is true for residents, where Type A is the lowest risk and Type C is the highest. Each contract type has different fee structures which correspond to the levels of risk assumed by either party. Some continuing care communities offer only one type of contract, so contact the community you’re interested in to see which one(s) it offers. Here’s an overview of how each contract operates:

Type A: Extensive or Life Care Contract

With this type of agreement consumers assume the least amount of risk, but pay top dollar. A Type A contract provides housing, services, and amenities, as well as unlimited access to long-term nursing care at little-to-no additional cost, aside from periodic inflationary increases. The higher initial fee is based on the assumption that these residents may require and utilize higher levels of care as their needs develop over time. This can add up to substantial savings over a resident’s lifetime, considering that
Medicare does not cover custodial nursing care, which currently runs $250+ daily, for a private room in a nursing home.
In addition, the prepayment of future healthcare costs qualifies these residents for significant tax benefits (the IRS medical deduction.) Typically, residents must maintain a minimum level of Medicare coinsurance.

Who it’s good for: People who want to ensure that all of their healthcare needs will be covered for the remainder of their lifetime.

Type B: Modified or Continuing Care Contract

A Type B contract also provides housing, services and amenities, but access to long-term health care and nursing services is restricted to a specified number of days. After that, the resident is responsible for any additional care costs incurred. Some contracts allow residents to pay for the additional care at a discounted rate once they have utilized the care included in their contract. Just as with a Type A contract, residents are eligible for the IRS medical deduction. Who it’s good for: People who are able to pay for the costs of care not covered through their contract, and those who do not expect their healthcare needs to increase significantly over time.

Type C: Fee-For-Service Contract

With a Type C contract, access to health care is guaranteed, but residents must pay the full cost of the services they use. Under this type of agreement, residents receive housing, services, and amenities as defined in the contract. Some communities do not charge an entrance fee for Type C contracts, charging only a monthly fee instead. However, other communities do charge an entrance fee with the funds subsidizing a resident’s assisted living or skilled nursing care. If the cost of care exceeds the funds obtained from the entrance fee, then the resident would be charged for the full cost of any services utilized. This can happen if a resident requires extended skilled nursing care. For those who require higher levels of health care later on the cost can be extremely high. At a daily rate of $250, nursing home care costs escalate rapidly creating a major financial burden for residents without long-term care insurance or considerable financial resources. Residents do not qualify for the IRS medical deduction under a Type C contract.

Who it’s good for: People who are willing to assume the full risk of health care costs.

Article Provided by:
Skyline
206-973-7586
www.SkylineSeattle.org

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Would you go to court without an attorney? Into surgery without a good surgeon? Purchase a home without a realtor?  Exploring the vast world of long-term care and senior housing options can be equally overwhelming. The right eldercare consultant can educate, guide, protect, and simplify your search providing you with the right options for you or your loved one’s unique needs.
In Washington State, eldercare consultants may be called by many names: Eldercare Consultant, Senior Advisor, Referral Agent, and Placement Agent are a few. Reputable agents understand their responsibilities and legal requirements under Washington State’s Elder and Vulnerable Adult Referral Agency Act RCW 18.330.

A qualified eldercare consultant can answer questions such as:

• What’s the difference between an assisted living and an adult family home?
• What types of rehabilitation services are available? What does “short-term rehab” mean?
• What is “respite”?
• What types of care and how much care can be provided at home?
• What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
• What options will your long-term care insurance policy cover?
• What happens at the end of a hospitalization or rehab stay when discharge is imminent?
• What resources are available to pay for services? Who is going to pay for what?

When choosing an eldercare consultant the following should be taken into consideration:

• Are they local or part of a larger company? Do they work alone or are they part of a team?
• What is their background?  How many years have they been working with families in long-term care? Do they  have related certifications or degrees?
• How are they paid? Do they charge an hourly rate or more typically, are they free to seniors and their families as they are paid a referral fee from care providers?
• How many care providers/properties are they contracted with?
• Have they personally toured the properties they refer to? Can they tell you if the properties have any enforcement actions?

A professional eldercare consultant will answer your questions regarding costs and explain how care is paid for as well as what type of financial resources may be available. They will guide you through the clinical process from hospitalization to a stay in a rehabilitation facility to advocate for your loved one’s personal preferences and desires. They will narrow your search from potentially hundreds of care options to those that make the most sense for your personal situation.

Article Provided by:
Graham & Graham Eldercare Consultants LLC
888-217-1655
www.GrahamandGrahamEC.com

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