Share The Joy During the Holidays

Tips to Help Caregiver’s and Those Living With Alzheimer’s Disease 

The hustle and bustle of the holidays comes to every household. When you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s it’s not all “joy”. The shift in routine, decorations, and influx of visitors can put a damper on everyone’s holiday spirit. How to welcome holiday guests who do not understand the situation is often a dilemma for caregivers. “Concerns will arise from those who are surprised of the progression of the disease, and some visitors will not understand why Grandpa has changed,” said Jo Gosselin, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Network.

Consider sending out a note to anyone planning on dropping by. Lay out simple guidelines and explain the progression of disease and how it will affect the visit. “For a smooth visit, avoid loud noises, long stays and drawn out questions that only cause more confusion. Don’t hesitate to schedule morning and afternoon visits, things may go smoother when starting out rested,” Gosselin said. Being prepared will help everyone feel like the visit was a success and there will be fewer surprises.

Focus on the “can do” and not the “we used to,” said Gosselin. Don’t concentrate on what holiday traditions you can’t enjoy together, instead make new ones or scale down the old ones. Make treats together in the kitchen. Measuring, mixing and a little soft music can be quality time together.

The holiday’s can be rather animated, dancing Santa’s, blinking lights and talking reindeer don’t bring a calm environment and can be confusing for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s. Keeping decorations simple and not making a lot of changes can help with confusion.

Rest and Relaxation make for a real nice holiday. Make sure everyone including the caregiver is getting enough rest. “Less is more, having a blessed time is more important that rushing through twelve events and feeling harried and frazzled in the end,” said Gosselin. Don’t ignore family members who have offered to help. Take time to enjoy the festivities with friends or other family members. The holiday may have changed, but embrace the warmth of the season and take what works for you, and resist pressure from those events that overwhelm you.

Questions about Alzheimer’s? Need Support Group Information?
Call the Alzheimer Network at (503) 364-8100 or 1-866-425-9638 or visit us at www.alznet.org

Every Home Needs a Little Attention

Even a dream home will turn into a nightmare if regular maintenance is not part of your standard routine.

In your home, as in life, few things are maintenance free. Despite the time and money it consumes, preventive home maintenance is far more cost effective than the crisis management approach of waiting until something breaks and then scrambling to have it repaired.

So, maintain your home for the same reasons that you maintain your health, because without regular attention both you and your home are headed for trouble and costly repairs down the road.

Like a visit to the dentist, your home preventive maintenance plan really needs two components. Routine upkeep is similar to the cleaning your hygienist provides. And a monitoring plan that covers structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as appliances is like the diagnostic exam the dentist provides.

There are so many home maintenance and repair items that are important it can be hard to decide which are most critical. At Hey Handyman we emphasize preventive maintenance as a factor in a safe home environment. We recommend that you start by testing or installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and at least two multipurpose fire extinguishers. Find and correct electrical hazards, remove or correct trip hazards, and finally locate and mark the shut offs for gas, electric, plumbing and heating systems.

Next, establish a maintenance schedule. Some routine upkeep chores like testing ground fault interrupters should be carried out monthly. Others, like servicing the furnace or cleaning out gutters, might be performed semiannually.

Ideally, preventive maintenance inspections should be performed semiannually in the spring and fall, but some areas are easier to monitor in the spring, some in summer, and others in the fall or winter. Assign each area for a particular month to break the job into manageable size and ensure regular inspection of each area.

Everything wears out eventually. That’s why housing experts recommend budgeting between one and three percent of the market value of the house each year for maintenance and repair costs. But the news isn’t all bad.

An investment in a scheduled home maintenance program will reduce your total cost of home ownership. For example, a study, Determining the Economic Value of Preventive Maintenance, showed that more than $5 in repair costs are saved for every $1 spent on routine preventive maintenance.

Article by Jamie Wyant, Owner
Hey Handyman.
or (503) 910-7290. CCB# 190148
www. heyhandy.com

Be Cautious As You Invest

Does it sound too good to be true? It’s essential to ask yourself this question when a “can’t fail”  investment opportunity comes your way.  In today’s sluggish economy it is tempting to grab at an offer to make up the losses in your retirement nest egg. Unfortunately there are people looking to make a quick buck and will offer you an opportunity that can take a bite out your savings. Each year Oregonians lose millions of dollars to investment, or securities, fraud– by con artists using high-pressure tactics and promising “get-rich-quick” schemes.

As a potential investor, you may be solicited through telephone calls, mailings, emails and references from friends or family. If a enticing offer comes your way,  be cautious and get the necessary information to make an informed decision. Your first step? Check out the person offering the investment by contacting the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Its Division of Finance and Corporate Securities – the state’s securities, or investments – regulator – can tell you if the firm or salesperson is licensed to sell investments in Oregon and if the investment is registered for sale in Oregon.
Whether the opportunity comes from a broker, investment adviser or insurance agent, the Division can provide important licensing information including possible disciplinary  action.

In addition, check a person’s professional credentials. In Oregon, those who sell financial and insurance products are prohibited from marketing themselves by claiming they are a “specialist,” “adviser,” or similar title when they have no substantive credentials based on legitimate professional training. Senior citizens are vulnerable to this type of deceptive marketing as many are looking for ways to invest and may targeted by those claiming to have specialized expertise.

You should also be wary of the following pitches:

• The promise of a rate of return that is better than what similar investments are paying.
• A guarantee that the investment won’t fail.
• Insistence that the opportunity to invest exists today only – tomorrow will be too late.
• Pressure to write a check immediately or for a bank account number “to make it easier.”

Even with the current economic downturn, there are still many opportunities that hold great promise of financial return. The key is look at each one objectively, ask a lot of questions and check and verify the salesperson and the investment.

Article Provided by:
The Oregon Division of Finance and Corporate Securities
1-866-814-9710
www.dfcs.oregon.gov or www.protectyourmoneyoregon.org

Oregon’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Ombudsman Program advocates for quality of life and care for residents in nursing homes, residential care, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. Federal and state authority mandates ombudsmen to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents and to provide services to help in protecting health, safety, welfare and rights. Information and assistance in choosing the most appropriate living residence is also a valuable service provided.

Across Oregon, certified ombudsmen serve residents, their families and friends. Professional staff supervise the volunteers. All Ombudsman services are free and confidential. A 24-hour line is available at 1-800-522-2602 and more information is available at www.oregon.gov/lltco.

Resident Rights
Many people believe that once a person enters a long term care facility, they lose their rights or their rights are altered in some manner — this is not true. Residents have rights and those rights need to be protected.

Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers communicate with each resident and the program affirms the dignity and value of each resident. Communication is essential to maintaining the rights of all people and is absolutely critical to the more than 42,000 Oregonians in long-term care facilities.

Being an Ombudsman is a rewarding experience!
Certified volunteer ombudsmen: advocate for quality care for residents in Oregon nursing homes, residential and assisted living facilities and adult foster homes; provide information to residents and families about residents’ rights and help identify additional resources in or out of the facility; receive special training prior to certification and additional continuing education; identify, investigate, and resolve complaints by or on behalf of nursing home and long-term care residents; and work with the residents, families, friends, and facility staff to improve the quality of residents’ lives.

Certified Ombudsman volunteers must be over 21, pass a background check, attend training, and commit to one year of service and 16 hours a month. Volunteers enjoy a flexible schedule, opportunities to work with a partner or spouse, and the ability to make a direct and meaningful impact in their community.

Article provided by
Gretchen Jordan,
Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator
503-378-6340 

Choosing a Caregiver for Loved Ones

Selecting a home care provider is a much more challenging process as there is a large range of experience, and professionalism. Here are a few insights to help guide your decision-making to make the best choice.

• Is the home care agency licensed by the State of Oregon? The State Health Department requires that home care agencies follow a strict set of standards to ensure that clients are provided appropriate care in a manner that promotes their health, safety.
• Is the agency bonded and insured? “Bonded” means the agency offers protection to the client if a caregiver steals. “Insured” means the agency carries liability coverage for personal injuries and property damage, as well as workers’ compensation insurance. Ask to see documentation to verify the exact kind of coverage.
• How does the agency screen potential employees? Before allowing anyone access to your home, demand a background check. Is there a physical skills test and a criminal history check through the Department of Human Services completed on each applicant.
• Are the caregivers experienced? Make sure your home care agency employs only qualified, experienced caregivers.
• How does the agency train their staff? Your home care agency should provide on-going training to keep caregivers up to date and proficient on skills needed to care for others with in-office orientation programs, hands-on training, and classes on personal care and managing medication.
• Does the agency schedule around you? Some agencies have set times that caregivers are available. Ask if they are flexible when it comes to your schedule.
• Does the agency have a live person on-call 24 hours? Nothing is more frustrating than having a problem and calling your home care agency, only to find an answering machine. Insist that your home care agency is available night and day.
• Does the agency have 24-hour RN supervision? If you have an emergency question at any time of the day, it’s important that a Registered Nurse is on call 24 hours a day to answer your questions and provide help if needed.
• Will the home care agency bill supplemental insurance companies? Find out if billing is handled by the home care agency or if it is entirely your responsibility to submit claims. In addition, it’s important to contact your insurance company and ask what they require from the home care agency for payment.  Make sure you know what your waiting period is and if there are any exclusions.

Article provided by:
Mark Schulz, Marquis at Home
866-363-4733

Making Oregon Vital for Elders

Making Oregon Vital for Elders (M.O.V.E.) is a statewide coalition of dedicated organizations and individuals united in changing the way Oregonians feel about health and long-term care for older adults. M.O.V.E. is a partner of the Pioneer Network, a national grass-roots organization committed to changing the culture of aging in America.

The ultimate vision of the Pioneer Network is to create a culture of aging that is ‘life-affirming, satisfying, humane, and meaningful.’ Culture change can transform a ‘facility’ into a ‘home,’ a ‘resident’ into a ‘person,’ and a ‘schedule’ into a ‘choice.’

The current national culture change movement, launched by the Pioneer Network to transform older adult services, is based on person-centered values and person-directed practices. The concept of “person first” is the heart of both the values and practices which start and end with putting the person before the task. The culture change transformation is focused on both long and short-term living environments, as well as community-based settings, where those in supported living and their caregivers are able to express choice and practice self determination in meaningful ways.

M.O.V.E.’s members represent many aspects of long-term care including: long-term care providers, state surveyors and other government agencies, Oregon’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, profit and not-for-profit provider organizations, private businesses and consultants, senior advocates, and institutions of higher education. This collaboration inspires many of our initiatives and represents partnership at its best.

Together we are dedicated to reexamining current practices and policies in health care delivery, regardless of setting, and assuring a person-directed, value based system. Our Mission is “to create and sustain personalized, enriching communities where older adults and those who support them can thrive.”
One way M.O.V.E. carries out their mission is to provide quarterly educational trainings throughout the state. Visit our website at www.orculturechage.org for registration information.

Another way one can participate in M.O.V.E. is to volunteer with one of our committees. There are opportunities on the Advocacy Committee, the Communications Committee, the Education Committee, and the Sustainability and Growth committee. Join us and network with a diverse group of professionals committed to enhancing the lives of older adults.

Article provided by
The M.O.V.E. Coalition
PMB 511, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, #58
Tigard, OR 97223

ADRC is Now Available Online

NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS) recently held an open house celebration to demonstrate the opportunities available through a new web-based portal called the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The concept of the ADRC is to provide a single source of access for information and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, their family members and community partners, on issues affecting their health and well-being.

The centerpiece of the ADRC is the development of an extensive comprehensive resource database that is readily available to virtually anyone, at any time. Complementing the web-based resource connection is the availability of trained information and assistance specialists who can more fully assist individuals seeking more detailed information, or counseling to understand the variety of service options available. We can also help assess an individual’s level of need for available public services, as well as their eligibility for assistance.

Through the ADRC, anyone can get access to information and counseling to help sort through the options available for making decisions about long-term care, Medicare, Social Security and other available programs. We can provide information and resources for programs to help you stay healthy, prevent illness, enhance your social activities and educational opportunities. The resource data base will also include information on local services and products that could be useful to seniors and people with disabilities, including such things as: in-home services; family and caregiver support; peer counseling; home-delivered meals; transportation; legal assistance; programs for healthy living, and more.

The idea is to create an interactive format where individuals can find useful information on how to access services and supports for themselves or a loved one, while community providers can make that kind of information available to those in need. The information could be easily accessible through the web site, or individuals can seek additional assistance by telephone or by walking into any NWSDS office.

NWSDS is a small participant in a much larger national effort to implement a section of the federal Older Americans Act calling for the establishment of Aging and Disability Resource Centers nation-wide. Our ADRC is a collaborative effort with the State Unit on Aging, and other local Area Agencies on Aging.
Anyone can access the ADRC by logging onto the web site at www.adrcoforegon.org. Also, NWSDS Information and Assistance staff can be contacted
directly at 503-304-3420, toll free at 1-866-206-4799, or by e-mail.

Article provide by
Northwest Senior Disability Services (NWSDS)

White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011

To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama’s two over-arching goals for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organization. And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans’ care as a lifetime initiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest.”

The $125 billion budget request, which has to be approved by Congress, includes $60.3 billion for discretionary spending (mostly health care) and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding (mostly for disability compensation and pensions). “VA’s 2011 budget request covers many areas but focuses on three central issues that are of critical importance to our Veterans – easier access to benefits and services, faster disability claims decisions, and ending the downward spiral that results in Veterans’ homelessness,” Shinseki said.

Reducing Claims Backlog
The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $460 million and more than 4,000 additional claims processors for Veterans benefits. This is a 27 percent increase over the 2010 level. The 1,014,000 claims received in 2009 were a 75 percent increase over 579,000 received in 2000.

Shinseki said the Department expects a 30 percent increase in claims – to 1,319,000 – in 2011 from 2009 levels.

One reason for the increase is VA’s expansion of the number of Agent Orangerelated illnesses that automatically qualify for disability benefits. Veterans exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War are likely to file additional claims that will have a substantial impact upon the processing system for benefits, the secretary said. “We project significantly increased claims inventories in the near term while we make fundamental improvements to the way we process disability compensation claims,” Shinseki said. Long-term reduction of the inventory will come from additional manpower, improved business practices, plus an infusion of $145 million in the proposed budget for development of a paperless claims processing system, which plays a significant role in the transformation of VA.

Article provided by
COR– Care Option Resources
503-781-1695

Stop Senior Hunger

There is an epidemic facing many in our own community and across America. One sector of our community that suffers from hunger is our growing 65 and older population. Today, one in nine seniors is at risk of hunger. The Meals on Wheels Association of America projects that by 2025, an estimated 9.5 million senior Americans will experience some form of hunger or “food insecurity,” about 75 percent higher than the number in 2005.

Hunger Can Affect Seniors of Any Income

Over 50% of seniors at risk of hunger live above the poverty line. Among the reasons for hunger: changes in taste, disease or medication; lack of transportation to obtain food; inability to prepare food; limitations to chewing due to dental problems or dentures; or a general lack of interest in eating due to loneliness or depression.

For seniors the implications are serious and could mean the potential for increased hospital stays, increased health complications, or premature death.

What You Can Do to Help

• Offer your help. By asking a senior adult if they need help something like grocery shopping, you are offering support. “Help” isn’t always monetary.

• Be an advocate. Whether you are caring for an aging parent, relative or family friend, you can be an advocate for them. Learn to detect the signs of malnutrition and hunger in your older loved ones.

• Pay attention to their eating habits, keep them company during meal time or invite them for a family meal. When you take your loved one for a doctor visit, be sure to discuss their changing nutritional needs with their doctor.

• Find out where to get assistance. Local and federal programs are available to help seniors. Check out Meals on Wheels Association of America or Feeding America® to see if there is a senior food distribution program in your neighborhood.

• Understand what good nutrition means. Seniors can improve their quality of life and preserve their independence longer by making dietary changes. About 30 million older Americans live with chronic diseases for which nutrition therapies can be effective in managing and treating, according to the American Dietetics Association.

Making improvements in nutrition can play an important role in overall health for seniors.

For more information on the STOP Senior Hunger, visit www.stopseniorhunger.com.

Article provided by
Pamela Schmidt, 
Comfort Keepers 
503-877-8926

Why Are You So Tired During The Day?

One of the biggest factors affecting your quality of life, your health and longevity is the quality of sleep you get.

This five question quiz can help you determine if you’re suffering from Sleep Apnea, a very common disorder that currently affects the lives of over 20 million Americans.

However, this quiz cannot take the place of your doctor or a formal diagnosis, so if you feel you have health problems, please seek medical attention regardless.

1. Do you snore?

2. Are you excessively tired during the day?

3. Have you been told you stop breathing at night?

4. Do you have a history of high blood pressure?

5. Is your neck size greater than 17inches (male) or 16 inches (female)?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of screening questions, there is a possibility you are suffering from Sleep Apnea.

There are two basic types of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive and Central. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by the full or partial collapse of the airway causing your breathing to stop. Your lungs try
to breathe, but no air can get through. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and is often accompanied by snoring and heavy breathing. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when your brain does not send the signal that causes your lungs to breathe. As a result, you have no airflow and no chest movements. This condition can occur as a result of heart problems, brain injury, or a history of narcotic pain medication.

Because sleep apnea prevents air from entering or exiting the lungs, the oxygen level decreases and the heart is forced to work harder. Without treatment the sleep deprivation and lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea increases health risks such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, clinical depression, weight gain and obesity. Sleep Apnea is easily treatable and is dangerous if left unchecked. If you suspect you or someone you know could suffer from Sleep Apnea, please instruct them to contact A Turning Leaf Home Medical. One of our organization’s board certified sleep technologists will make sure to get them in touch with a facility that tests for these disabling disorders.

Article provided by
Justin Peterson, BS, RPSGT
www.atlhomemedical.com
503-689-1597, 541-570-1868