There comes a time for many seniors when they need or want more care than they can receive at home.  It can be overwhelming looking for the right senior living option, for many to know “Where do I start?”

Here are 5 factors to consider:

1. Needs: Independent Living may be the right option if your loved one needs assistance with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. If your loved one needs help with medications, bathing, dressing, transferring or toileting an Assisted Living Community provides 24/7 care. If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point of wandering or exit seeking a secured memory care community is safest.

2. Preferences: This includes the style or aesthetics of a community: How does it look and feel?  Would your loved one enjoy a newer or established community.  Does your loved one desire a studio, one bedroom or two-bedroom apartment?  Also, would your loved one enjoy a more intimate community of 35-100 residents or would they prefer a larger setting of 100+ residents? Or perhaps a smaller Foster Care Home setting of 5 total residents might be a good fit if your loved one is not all that social and does not have any night time care needs.

3. Wants: Does your loved one like to attend or be a part of social events?  If so, what hobbies, events, or shopping would they like to be a part of? Determining how someone would enjoy day-to-day engagement goes a long way towards a successful move.  There are many communities that offer a variety of entertainment options.  If your loved one is more reclusive, there will also be many communities willing to accommodate a quieter lifestyle.

4.Finances: Based on what’s included in the rent, what is affordable with one’s income and assets? If I outlive my assets will I be able to remain in the community I move into? Do I qualify for VA or Medicaid and what do I need to do to apply?

5. Location: Based on the 4 factors above, how far from my ideal location would I or my loved ones be willing to consider potential communities?  Many times this becomes the most critical element in choosing an option.

Once these factors are determined it would be helpful to have a Senior Living Advisor inform you of which options fit your criteria.  A Senior Living Advisor will also be able to assist you with touring, paperwork and other resources surrounding a transition in addition to narrowing down the best options to consider.

Article provided by:
Senior One Source
Louis Johnson & Kelley Rogers,
Senior Living Advisors
503-420-9011
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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Have you ever wondered what a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community is? Have you done your research, explored the benefits and know your options? The state registered CCRC’s in Oregon range in location from Medford all the way to Portland. Each retirement  community is different and will vary in amenities, so be sure to do your homework and ask lots of questions!

Benefits of a CCRC:

• Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is a one-time fee that a resident pays to move to the community. You are not purchasing real estate but investing in a plan for your future. A portion of the entrance fee goes toward the cost of additional care, discounting it significantly should you need it in the future.
• Taxes: The federal government sees both an entrance fee and monthly fees at a CCRC as a pre-paid medical expense, which may give you a significant deduction. Please see your tax advisor for specific details.
• Foundation: If you outlive your resources through no fault of your own, some CCRC’s foundations may offer subsidy to help with your monthly expenses for the remainder of your life. Ask about the community’s foundation when visiting.
• Yearly Audit: Financial audits occur every year and you should  have access
  to that information at a CCRC.
• Disclosure Statement: Information about a community’s financial status, board members and licensures for its community. On your next tour, ask for this packet of information.
• Multiple Levels of Care: Each CCRC has different licensed levels of care. It’s very important to know what each community offers and how it benefits you and your loved one.

Questions to ask on your next tour:

• How does my long term care policy work in a CCRC?
• Over the last 3-5 years, what is the average fee increase?
• Are you For-profit or Not-for-profit?
• What happens if I run out of money?
• What licensed levels of care do you offer?
• Get a copy of the disclosure statement and audited financials

Article Provided by:
Capital Manor
503-967-9247
www.capitalmanor.com

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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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